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Morley, David, 1949- .Media, modernity and technology : the geography of the new / David Morley. [0415333415 (hbk. : alk. paper) ] London ; New York : Routledge, 2007.
Call#: Van Pelt Library P94.6 .M673 2007
Call#: Van Pelt Library P94.6 .M673 2007
Part Five of David Morley’s book examines the idea of “Techno-anthropology,” or the symbolic meanings of objects in our contemporary world. Morley uses the television as a main example of a modern technology that has come to hold much cultural signification on our everyday lives, and thus devotes a section of his book to explaining how exactly it fits into the world today. He suggests that the television has become somewhat synonymous with home or comfort; though initially a foreign object, it has since redefined the private space and come to hold a more or less sacred place in home culture. Though much of Morley’s discussion here has to do with television in and of itself, he makes a number of points about television that can then be used to discuss its relationship with new media. Also, this chapter points out that the symbolism and meaning of television has changed over time. I’m not sure how to incorporate this into my paper, or if I even need to do so – but I feel that to overlook it might be a mistake. In any case, it should at least be mentioned somewhat, if only to show the evolution of television as compared to new media.
Morley then turns to examining newer media technologies, with the purpose of refuting the concept that with new media comes new social and cultural uses for that media. He argues that while technologies like cell phones and computers do bring with them new ways of consumption, their arrival does not signal the death of traditional social rituals. Living traditions tend to incorporate new technologies rather than become obsolete in the face of media development. This fits with Michele White’s ideas on spectatorship, thus providing a non-traditional viewpoint to help me balance my paper.
That this book focuses very little on a viewer’s actual engagement with the screen prevents this source from becoming a major on for my paper. However, I do think that some of the ideas present here and Morley’s background on the evolution of these technologies can give me some good basic background information, as a foundation for my arguments.
Morley then turns to examining newer media technologies, with the purpose of refuting the concept that with new media comes new social and cultural uses for that media. He argues that while technologies like cell phones and computers do bring with them new ways of consumption, their arrival does not signal the death of traditional social rituals. Living traditions tend to incorporate new technologies rather than become obsolete in the face of media development. This fits with Michele White’s ideas on spectatorship, thus providing a non-traditional viewpoint to help me balance my paper.
That this book focuses very little on a viewer’s actual engagement with the screen prevents this source from becoming a major on for my paper. However, I do think that some of the ideas present here and Morley’s background on the evolution of these technologies can give me some good basic background information, as a foundation for my arguments.
belongs to The Relationship Between Audience Engagement with Screens in Both Old and New Media project
tagged Cell_Phone Computer Media Modernity New_Media Social_Ritual Symbolism Techno-anthropology Technology Television
by knewbold
...on 13-MAR-07
The Wireless Alliance and Robert Pinkerton request a DMCA exemption for modifying mobile phone firmware. Their case specifically pertains to counteract the practice of cell phone locking. It is often that the only way to get a phone service carrier by purchasing a bundle with a special phone that is tied to that particular service. When switching to a new service, consumers forced into buying new (often unnecessary phones). The Wireless Alliance and Mr. Pinkerton argue that modifying cell phone software does not create unauthorized copies of the original work. It is possible that in the eyes of the law, the modified firmware might be viewed as a derivative work. However, copyright law permits users to modify purchased software (a category under which firmware falls). The Copyright office recently granted the Wireless Alliance and Robert Pinkerton the exemption.
The exemption for modifying firmware to legally join cell phone networks and carry out legal activity is one of the few cases where the decision was not in favor of the large business. One of Mr. Pinkerton's main complaints was that as he traveled often internationally due to business, it was difficult for him to find a carrier that met all his needs. He found a carrier he liked internationally and a carrier he liked locally, and wanted to modify his phone so he could connect to a different carrier while in a foreign country. The obvious extension is that DVDs with region codes would prevent someone traveling from playing a DVD in a foreign country's regioned player, and an exemption should be provided for DVDs legally purchased in a foreign country. However, the real heart of the case is not Mr. Pinkerton's travel, but needing two different services depending on the context of his work. Licensed applications for Windows and Mac OSX are common and are often embedded into the operating system directly. However, the Open Source nature of Linux distributions makes players for DRM protected media scarce and built-in functionality often impossible. If someone's business practices makes Linux a necessity, they should be permitted to modify their operating system to properly play protected media. The courts and the copyright office previously found that not being able to play content is a mere inconvenience to a consumer. This case demonstrates that the government has more sympathy for business practices hindered by the DMCA. Approaching future exemptions and cases from this angle might be the best way to counter the DMCA.
The exemption for modifying firmware to legally join cell phone networks and carry out legal activity is one of the few cases where the decision was not in favor of the large business. One of Mr. Pinkerton's main complaints was that as he traveled often internationally due to business, it was difficult for him to find a carrier that met all his needs. He found a carrier he liked internationally and a carrier he liked locally, and wanted to modify his phone so he could connect to a different carrier while in a foreign country. The obvious extension is that DVDs with region codes would prevent someone traveling from playing a DVD in a foreign country's regioned player, and an exemption should be provided for DVDs legally purchased in a foreign country. However, the real heart of the case is not Mr. Pinkerton's travel, but needing two different services depending on the context of his work. Licensed applications for Windows and Mac OSX are common and are often embedded into the operating system directly. However, the Open Source nature of Linux distributions makes players for DRM protected media scarce and built-in functionality often impossible. If someone's business practices makes Linux a necessity, they should be permitted to modify their operating system to properly play protected media. The courts and the copyright office previously found that not being able to play content is a mere inconvenience to a consumer. This case demonstrates that the government has more sympathy for business practices hindered by the DMCA. Approaching future exemptions and cases from this angle might be the best way to counter the DMCA.
belongs to DMCA and Open Source project
tagged Cell_Phone DMCA Firmware DRM
by mkuruc
...on 28-NOV-06
Day to Day, July 14, 2006 · A new service will allow drivers to auction off information about when they will leave their parking spaces to other drivers looking for a spot to park. The online forum will also let people auction off their driveways. Andrew Rollert, CEO of SpotScout, the company that will connect drivers through mobile devices, talks with Madeleine Brand.
various phone companies and their location based services