Blogs of The Elite

Canvas- Web 2.0 stratigy

2008-05-18T23:12:00.004Z

The key here is to include interactivity- to be able to allow the readers to include their own content and to allow them to discuss and be involved in the news stories that are involving them. Probably the best way to do this would be to include an online forum- a place where people can impart their opinions.

It's a counterpart for the actual newspaper. But something that is updated more regulary.

Competitor Analysis- Pluto (UCLan)

2008-05-18T22:37:00.002Z

Pluto is the free uni paper of the University of Central Lancaster. Their online site is pretty much an extention of this.

Setions on the site include: News (which in itself covers Student, Local, National and International news) Sport, Entertainment, Features and Comment.

The content of the site has not been updated since March. It seems that they are relying heavily on the stories that are produced from the paper itself for content, which does not indicate a site that is updated regularily. This is not necessarily a problem, unless they had intended it to be in the first place.

There is a section ready for comment- perhaps a message board or forum of some sort, however no content has been put on there yet.

PDF versions of the actual newspaper are avaliable to be downloaded off the site and there is an RSS feed option too.

The unique feature on the site is that there is a link to the editor's blog. The rolling news bar at the top of the page features links to different articles on the blog. However, this too has not been updated recently.

Overall, there is actually a lot on content on the site itself, but the lack of updated and recent news lets the site down. It is seemingly a side project for the main newspaper and nothing else.

www.pluto-online.com

Web 2.0 on News Sites- The Guardian

2008-05-18T18:50:00.002Z

The Guardian Website is one of the more user friendly newspaper sites out there. It's interface is clear, clean and simple to navigate, if a bit text heavy. It has scrolling headlines at the top of the page which keeps the reader up to date with the news that is currently taking place.

The main thing that I am looking for is the amount of interactivity that the site actually offers. Along with comment section, the are blogs on the site, a vital part of web 2.0- however, it is unclear whether that these blogs are maintained by the everyday reader of actual writers and contributors for the Guardian. On closer inspection, it seems like the latter. Perhaps it was an initiative that wasn't very successful and therefore they have left it to actual journalists to partake in blog keeping on the site.

However, there is still the opertunity in commenting on the blogs and the comment sections of the site, which does allow some form of interactivity. Also, one can obtain RSS feeds from the site for up to date news from the site. It seems like The Guardian's Web 2.0 stratigy is more along the lines of immediacy than interactivity.

Online Features- Time Magazine

2007-09-27T19:12:00.000Z

I decided to do the feature that was on the Time Magazine's website because Top lists generally do interest me, whatever they may be- if it is the Top Ten Worst Hairstyles in Pop or The Greatest Cartoons Ever Poll.

By looking at the page I was directed to by looking at the link I straight away knew that this was not going to be anything different from perhaps a counterpart that could have been quite easily included in an end-of-year 6 page special in the actual magazine. The only difference being that each specific part of the chart has its own page (I choose this particular page as I am a big "Heroes" fan and I am very dissapointed that it was ranked so low down their Top Ten TV list- below "Lost", I ask you!) but even then, you can only move onto the next part of the list by clicking in the generic 'next' button- numbers cannot be jumped, which could make the article more tedious to read online.

Another online-specific feature its that you could jump from one topic to the next through the use of links. However, this is something not particulary revolutionary- more like a necessity for a webpage.

Time.com haven't actually done something specific to Online journalism. They have uploaded a feature that could have pretty much been copied and pasted onto a webpage from a word document destined for the magazine.

The Dilpazier Aslam Issue

2007-03-30T14:36:00.000Z

Dilpazier Aslam was the controversial journalist who got sacked from the Guardian after writing an article about the July 7th bombings in London. The problem was that he was a member of the banned Islamic group Hizb ut-Tahrir, a piece of information that he negleted to tell his readers and/or the Guardian.

The information was discovered by Scott Burgess, a world-reknowed conservative blogger who is an American living in London. What he picked up on was the language that Mr Aslam used to describe his opinion of the London bombings. After a range of topical posts on his blog, Mr Aslam was finally confronted about the issue.

The Hot Librarian- Work Blog

2007-03-30T10:13:00.000Z

I'm doing this now because I forgot that we actually had to talk about our comments :O

The Hot Libriarian is a weird sort of work blog- mainly because she hardly talks about her work, but about her seemingly mad life and the events that happen therein. All her housemates are bloggers to, and must get a lot of hits because she talks about them alot (whether this is significant or not, all her housemates are male... maybe that gives a clue to why she is how she is?)

She has been blogging since 2004 which means she has been doing this for quite a long while in internet terms plus in thats time she has been able to build a large fanbase of readers with simular mindsets.

I commented on her blog not only because I found it hilarious but because I felt like if I joined into the discussion, I could have fit into a small community all thinking the same thing. Also, her style of blogging and storytelling is simular to my style and to other people's work that I take interest in (the author Louise Rennison, for example, in her Georgia Nicholson diaries, and Ros Asquith)

The Hot Librarian may not be a typical work blog and does not give any insight into the world of Librarians, but it does show an interesting style of blogging that does interest people.

Critical Evaluation of LDNY

2007-03-09T15:49:00.000Z

The whole idea of a London/New York blog for young metropolitan business people was something that was different and very niche. Yet, it was also one of the things that caused us issues. None of the group were between 25-40 or business people, so we weren't entirely sure on how to target our particular audience. In my case, some of the things that I reviewed that would have interested me (Avenue Q and Wicked for example) might not appeal to others.

Another problem that we encountered was that none of us currently live in London or New York so we couldn't give our own personal opinion about the things that we were reviewing. Pictures and other people's opinions could only give you so much information. For London, it wouldn't have been such a problem as the city centre is only a short train ride away, but for NY it's more difficult to venture to another city across the Atlantic.

In the case of the blog itself, the layout that we had to work with hindered our aim a bit at the title of the blog was in lowercase when we wanted it to be in Capital Letters. Also, the blog's caption was tucked away in a corner in the right of the page nowhere near the title so it's association was lost. The layout itself could have been more eyecatching and appealing to our audience but it seemed a bit plain to look at which may have put off people visiting the blog.

For my personal post, I thought I did quite well. I was able to stick to the style required for the blog, which was very close to my own style. The only problems were a few spelling mistakes but apart from that, it was good.

Tony vs Paul- the short stop-motion film

2007-02-19T19:42:00.000Z

As one does in this time and age, I was bored and trawling through Youtube in order to get my daily fix of non-essential mindless entertainment. Yet, as I was doing so a couple of months ago, a certain video on the site's front page caught my eye. "Tony vs Paul" it was called and even though it was on the site for about a couple of days it already had half a million viewers. So I decided to check it out.

Watch the video here.

And I am glad I did. The video itself is a stunning feat. The narrative itself is clear enough to know what's going on and not be lost, even if the basic premise of it is, well, a mini fight between two guys called Tony and Paul. The fact that the whole film is done in stop motion abseloutely amazes me. I am so impressed by the whole set up of the video that I can only let out my appreciation for it in short sentances.

Theres nothing negative I can really say about this video. If pushed, I will say that the soundtrack does get a little annoying after a while, but that is beside the point.

Please, you must watch this video in the name of creativity and all that is good on Youtube. (which isn't that much to be honest) 2,557,616 viewers cannot be wrong.

Ultimate Naruto Fan Flash 5

2007-02-16T16:09:00.001Z

Have a Hug for Valentines Day

2007-02-14T19:26:00.000Z

I love Valentine's day.

I really do.

Well, let me correct that. When I was younger the thought of potential Valentines got me really excited to the point where I would almost burst. Yet it was always hype. I never got a card. Except for that one time where I was in Year Nine and me and this boy (who I really liked) exchanged cards and gifts... good times, good times...

I knew something was different this year. This whole thing of going to university, being away from home and actually making a fresh start was what had spurred me on to do something different for once. In past V-days I was brooding over the fact that I "didn't have someone special to share it with". Now, I can truly accept ir's purpose and do one V-day what is meant to be done. Share the love. By Free Hugs.

That's right. I was offering free hugs for two days straight. I created my little sign so I could strap it around my neck and walked around the campus proudly declaring my mission. Obviously some people were a bit hesitant about it at first (I seriously have no idea why...) but soon, with a bit of my friendly pursuasion, more and more people started coming up to me for some friendly Nessie love.

In all honestly, I have never had such a good time on a Valentine's day ever. For once I wasn't thinking about what I should get for the boy that I fancy or am I going to get anything this year or nobdy loves me, boohoo. I was out there sharing the feeling of happiness, warmth and friendship to anyone and everyone. And for the most part, the people that I hugged felt good afterwards too. One guy who I hugged seemed really down beforehand but actually cheered up after my hug. It's good for the soul.

I think my Valnetine's mission has bee accomplished.

Oh who am I kidding? I only did it to hug cute boys!

Hippy Shopper and Web 2.0

2007-02-07T21:21:00.000Z

First things first- Hippy Shopper

The layout of the blog made it initally look like an ordinary website until I saw the different posting times and such. It has a simplistic layout which is easy to navigate through, which is a good thing. Lots of links to take you to different sites for more information on eco-friendly living and such. It's very detailed and thorough too, so if you weren't sure what the site was about when you stumbled upon in at the beginning, you would have a clear idea once you have left.

However, it doesn't appeal to me. Not because it's a bad blog; its a very good blog. It just covers a subject area that doesnt really appeal to me in the slightest. Maybe it should, but it doesn't. Nevertheless, I am curiously drawn towards the Shopping Trolley-Chair contraption...

Web 2.0

From what I can understand, Web 2.0 is just the terminology for the next-gen use of the internet and its features. Sites such as Myspace and Wikipedia, and to an extent, Torrenting, can be considered to be Web 2.0. I believe it is a way of describing the way the web is currently being used. (Not too sure about this- read about it and I still wasn't entirely clear about it...)

Save the Prostitutes?

2006-12-12T09:16:00.000Z

Police in Ipswich are warning the female residents to keep an eye on what seems to be a serial killer on the loose, targeting prostitutes. So far, three women have been found dead in the Ipswich area and two are said to be missing. Apparently, the key to finding this serial killer is to enlist the help of the prostitutes of the local area (it is estimated that there are about 30 sex workers operating in the area)

Is it me, or is there a more simple solution to this situation?

Stop. Being. A. Prostitute.

I'm sorry, but I do not have sympathy for people who are so hard on their times that they have to sleep with random men/women to get by. It doesn't need to be a last resort. There is so many things one can do to help them selves out of a difficult situation and, to use a modern day phrase, "whoring" one's self is not the answer.

The police are advising prostitutes to be aware on the streets. Perhaps instead they should find a way to keep them off the streets for good, for their own well being and health. There are some... to use a polite term, unhealthy people out there.

The serial killer wouldn't be able to target any prostitutes if there isn't any prostitutes to target. I'm sure about anyone else, but it makes to me.

Twister Troubles...

2006-12-11T11:59:00.000Z

It may have happened a few days ago, but it still sends shivers down my spine when I think about it- The London Tornado of DOOM (ok, so that wasn' t the full name that it had, but I wanted it to sound more menacing than it actually was...) It was just the Tornado that hit Kensal Rise in London.

"Wait a minute!" you say. "A tornado in London?! How?" I honestly cannot answer that one for you. All I can say is that it is very rare and it is a cause for concern when it does happen.

Many houses were affected by the tornado when it tore through North London on Thursday. When I heard about it on the news, the first thought that ran across my mind was "Did it hit East London? How are my family?" Luckily, my family are alright, but my condolences to those affected.

I actually remember when I was younger the nightmares I used to have about Tornados tearing apart my home when I saw dark clouds looming above Custom House. My parents used to reassure me that they would never hit London. And now look. Is it all to do with environmental issues and how we should look after our planet more?

Makes you think, doesn't it?

Are England about to lose again?

2006-12-05T14:07:00.000Z

The World Cup...
The Ashes...
The Rugby World Cup...
Wimbeldon...

This is just a small exampe of sports that the English are meant to be good at but never really are. They excel for a miniscule amount of time before not making an impact in the sporting world for a long while. They end up a "consistancy". They are not brilliant, but they are not rubbish either. Tim Henman was in the top ten of the Tennis world rankings for about six years, yet he has never won a major tournament. The England football team has pretty much been in the Fifa top ten rankings since... forever.

The main reason why I am writing this gloom piece is because I was listening to the lastest Ashes news. Guess what. England has just lost the second test to Australia and are behind 2-0. Boo. But to be honest is it really any suprise? They got a bit cocky after winning the Ashes last year and beating every country left right and centre. However, recently, even their "warm-up" matches ended in defeat by local Australian teams (oh, the horror). It's just not... well, cricket.

Seriously though? Perhaps England were never able to conquer the sporting world. We are doomed to be average. I think we should just celebrate the times we do win with over-exaggerated national pride; writing songs about how we are better than everyone else and have parades for the heroic team in London. Then gloom over their subsequent lacklustre performances for another 20 years.

Oh wait...

It will have been 60 years ago by then...

2006-12-05T13:47:00.000Z

I am AMAZED. Absolutely amazed and astounded and other superlative words to do with surprised beginning with "A".

I was just sitting in my kitchen listening to the Radio One "Newsbeat" news when Dominic Burns (he has an egg for a head according to Chris Moyles- I'm surprised there hasn’t been a campaign started against the bullying of bald people because of it) told millions of listeners that NASA are planning to build a permanent base on the moon.

I raised my eyebrows.

In 2020.

I almost choked on my Shreddies (never a good thing).

Why so far away? I asked myself. Why, for an institution who clamed to have landed on the moon in the 1960’s, must they give themselves such a far away deadline? If it was done once before, it can be done again, right? That's what they say about domestic violence; doesn't the same go for expeditions to the moon?

Now, I have had doubts about the moon landing for quite some time now, but this actually cemented my belief that it didn't happen at all. For it to have happened at the time where computers were not personal, mobile phones were a whimsical afterthought and computer games would have involved a ball and a hard drive as a make-shift bat is quite crazy. But now it’s going to be 60 years until the next moon landing? Why? I can't believe it.

Why doesn’t NASA admit that it was all a farce? I'm not going to get sued for this am I? It's my opinion, I am entitled to it! But still... It wouldn't take 60 years. I guarantee you that the next time they land on the moon, they would be making regular visits every four months or so.I can't wait to see the excuse they come up with if they do admit it...

Man on the moon, eh?