Blog Post #5

1. My best understanding of the long tail theory is that products can be placed in two broad categories. At the head, there are popular or trendy products. These products can be seen in a lot of places and are sold almost everywhere due to high demand. In the tail, however, there are certain niches or very specific products. These products are harder to find because they are not in a high demand. Example: a high school student is searching for a very specific prom dress for her high school prom. She has the style and designer she wants, but it isn't popular at all. She goes to numerous prom dress shops and no one even carries the designer she's interested in. She has to go online to buy her dress because it is in such low demand, stores aren't carrying it. 2. My online consuming behavior would mostly be routine. I rarely shop online, but when I do I return to the same websites, such as amazon, forever21, and other clothing sites. The behaviors described in the powerpoint in class definitely matched up with my own, especially the that stated routine consumers browse for twice as long as other consumers. I definitely take my time.

Blog Assignment 4

Privacy is a very important issue for a lot of people. Online security is something you constantly hear about because with the Internet evolving and it being such a young technology, society is still figuring out how to deal with it. What amazes me is that a lot of the time users aren't aware of how their information is being tracked or used. Most of the time when people talk about privacy and online security consumers automatically assume internet providers and websites use one's information for the wrong reasons; however, personalization is one of the main reasons sites track your information. Even though personalization may seem like a harmless reason to track information, users should still take precautions. There are many concerns one may have when they notice their information being used to for personalization or customization. The article listed several examples, but here is something I have always thought of: When I purchase things online I tend to see similar items pop up in advertisements while I use other websites. Even when I am on social media pages, such as Facebook or Twitter, the item I bought online or was looking at comes up everywhere. I get really concerned about this because if I am putting my debit card information on a website that tracks other pieces of information, what is to stop me from thinking they have access to my card info? In the article it states that "internet users find it important to know how their personal information is being used, and to have control over this usage." I think this extremely important as well. The more we know, the safer we'll feel.

Second Screen

I find this article really important and relevant because its something all mediums need to think about. I find myself being affected by the second screen all the time. I can't sit through a commercial break without looking at my phone. This article suggest many different types of second screen technology that certain programs/networks/etc. are staring to use. Its just another way for people to connect. http://www.4hoteliers.com/features/article/8924

Blog 2

I agree with Reed's law the most. I agree that large networks, especially social networks, increase exponentially with the size of the network. I also think that this law is so prevalent in today's age with social networks booming. Social networks are being used by almost all ages. It would only make sense that these networks increase at that rate. In five years I think most people are going to get their information from their smart phones, and more specifically news apps and social media networks. People use technology when it is most convenient for them. We care a lot about whats easiest and what requires the least amount of work. That being said, the one thing that most people never leave their house without is their phone. If their phone is already on them they will more likely utilize them to receive information. For myself, a busy college student, I already use news apps to receive information. Instead of spending time looking online or watching the news, I get breaking news updates directly to my phone. I can browse over headlines and get a good idea of whats going on in the world at my convenience. I think that this trend will only grow. I also think that social networks will start to create other features that give valuable information. Snapchat has recently done this with their 'discovery' application. Facebook right now is a great social media network that allows people to share content such as links to articles and videos. One day I see them utilizing a feature that allows its users to find legitimate information on current events-maybe a separate tab. Overall, I think that the Internet will take over. I find myself watching TV less and less and instead I watch shows, read articles, and listen to music at a convenience to me. The Internet in general will be a major medium in which people receive their news content. Current discussion of net neutrality will impact how fast the public receives information. I cannot predict what will happen with net neutrality, but I can definitely predict that it will affect one’s accessibility to news and information.

Why We Blog

I think this reading accurately summarizes the reasons as to why people blog. Every blogger has a different intention when he/she posts. The article narrows down reasons to, “documenting one’s life; providing commentary and opinions; expressing deeply felt emotions; articulating ideas through writing; and forming and maintaining community forums.” I agree with the article in that most people choose to blog to document their lives, while others are hoping to reach a specific audience. I think our discussion in class directly relates to why people blog or post statuses and/or updates on any social media page. People like to fit in and they like having a voice, however sometimes we aren't equipped with the courage to do so. The Internet can be an outlet where people boost their self-esteems. You can be whoever you want to be online. While most professional bloggers are credible for giving valuable opinion, some do it simply to get things off their chest. I don’t think you can narrow it all down to one reason. I think that blogging and social media can sometimes be problematic. Everyone creates his or her own online identity for very unique reasons. Our generation has gotten in the habit of comparison. Sometimes uploaded photos or videos or posted statuses are a cry for attention. I know many individuals that compete with their Facebook friends to see who has the cooler or more interesting life. This shouldn’t be the case. We should post for ourselves, not for others.