Task 2b - Goebbels Speech about radio.

A speech by Nazi politician Joseph Goebbels about radio: http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/goeb56.htm



How is Goebbel’s view of radio linked to a political ideology? Why does he identify certain kind of communications potential in the medium?

How might his views seem to people today? What is radio ‘good for’ in your opinion?

Goebbel's, being in charge of propaganda for the Nazi party during Hitler's reign, saw a great opportunity in radio to bring the country together as a whole and influence the people in supporting the war and the Nazi party. I believe he also saw it as a way of manipulating the people of Germany into thinking the war was a good idea and their policies were correct. This idea would have worked, because of the fact the radio was a new source of technology, therefore people believed what was being said, showing the power of the radio. People would have beleived what was being said because of the domineering and interlectual voice coming out of the radio, no one would question it. It is obvious that Goebbells was passionate about the media and the development of technology, as his ideas were able to be spread across the country like wildfire, gaining support and respect. There is also the aspect of using radio to communicate and contact pilots and others fighting in the war, allowing updates on the situation in the war progress. This proves to be a great asset as it gives a picture of what is going on elsewhere as soon as it happens. Goebbell's views are very much to do with the war and what is going on at that present time, however he does look to the future, and even the possibilities of technology to come. Therefore i believe he would be very interested in the media today and all the levels and opportunities it has, however his views and ideas at times would be far too political for the radio and media. People today would view Goebbell's thoughts as intense and overpowering and maybe just too strong and involved in something like the radio, although it was a piece of genius.

In my opinion radio is good for one thing, listening to music, either when i'm in the car or at work, as it is the only time i use the radio because it just keeps me going and keeps me entertained.

Task 2a - How might our views on new media depend on our previous knowledge, values and attitudes, and even ideologies?

The New Media scene is just a result of the rise and evolution of technology and the internet. There are so many options and opportunities available within media, as the subject is so vast, it is only expected for a 'new media' to be constantly developing.

I believe that i have grown up with all aspects of new media around me, and i have developed my skills to be compatable with the ever changing technological world. Beginning with games consoles, then computers, mobile phones, the internet, mp3's, podcasting and many more to come in the future; that i am sure of. Therefore new media has developed to fullfill our needs and our expectations, we need to learn and have better and newer forms of entertainment to keep us inspired.

Task 1 - Websites

A website is viewed using the internet, through a collection of text web pages, images, and videos hosted by web servers. A web page is just an online document made accessible to people through HTTP, a protocol that provides information for the users web browser, transferred from the web server, usually written in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). A website usually has many pages and many links on the homepage, such as hyperlinks, message boards and advertisements. The two main types of website are static, the classic, brochure type website and dynamic, where the website constantly changes based on certain criteria.

It is very easy to surf the web for hours, as there are so many different websites and links available, usually produced by organizations for commercialisation, just one person for personal reasons, or the government for any reason. I use websites everyday, usually for information on sport, or novels or just for entertainment if i'm bored.

Task 1 - MUDs + MOOs – merging with online gaming

MUD's (Multi user-dungeons) are virtual worlds people join and interact in. They are elements of role playing, online chat and interactive fiction, described and set out using text only. Therefore poeple can describe themselves, or a room they are in, an object and actions that are performerd in the virtual world. Most worlds are science fiction, creating monsters and dragons and fighting against other people, completing levels and training their character up, still whilst interacting with other game players. These virtual worlds are now getting more and more realistic, sometimes creating realationships between two online characters, as well as the people in real life.

MOO's are basically the same thing as MUD's, however they allow users to actually change the games interface, creating more aspects to the game making it object orientated programming changing the way the game works for everyone using it.

I have no experience with MUD's or MOO's, however they do sound very interesting and enjoyable.

Task 1 - IRL’s, chat rooms and messenger services

IRL stands for Internet Relay Link and it is another form of digital online communication. It is a type of forum, as people login and primarily chat to groups of people, as well as having the opportunity to chat privately one on one with people. I do not use IRL's personally, however after researching them, i have found them to be a good way of getting to know people.

Chat rooms are similar to IRL's, but they are just big online forums that anyone can join and participate in. Chat rooms are mainly text based, although some have now implemented both text and voice simultaneously. It is a very informal way of communicating and sharing information, however many activities can be enjoyed in chatrooms such as webcam chat, online gaming and exchanging pictures. Again, i do not use chatrooms because i prefer knowing who i am talking to, as it could be anyone. Chat rooms have caused many problems, especially with people pretending to be who they are not and meeting with others they meet in chat rooms.

Messenger services, such as MSN, are very popular as they allow personal one on one discussions with the people you know. Messenger services let you set up a user name and create a online contact list of friends and family, allowing you to only speak to these people. You can also have group discussions with these contacts, as well as video messaging and file sharing.

I use MSN messenger regularly, as i find it very useful to chat to any of my friends anytime, anywhere. It is used more for personal satisfaction, rather than gaining information or organising events etc.

Task 1 - Bulletin board systems and Usenet

Bulletin board systems (BBS) were mainly used before the internet was made popular in the 1980's. It was used as a base for communications between geographically dispersed users who accessed the BBS over telephone lines, however it has been developed over the years allowing users to connect to BBS using a terminal program. It is used so people can download or upload software, such as local news, online games and instant messaging.

Bulletin board systems are simple to use as it is a case of setting up an user name and account and then just by logging in, everything is easily accesssible. I enjoy playing on the online games as there is so much available and you can speak to others whilst playing.

User and Network is combined to create Usenet, which is a internet discussion system. Users simply post and read articles in certain categories, called newsgroups. Usenet is basically a cross between email and web forums, using elements of BBS creating threaded discussions with news reader software and posts stored on the server.

Task 1 - email and email lists

Email stands for electronic mail and it is similar in structure to a letter, however in a digital form. It is the basis of internet communication as it is fast, flexible and reliable. It is a method of creating the message and transmitting it through networks to other email addresses, or just simply storing the text based message. Networks provide gateways to other computer systems allowing mail to be sent anywhere around the world. Most email systems use text editor to compose messages, although others are available this is the most popular.

When messages are sent, often the computer automatically notifies the user if online, otherwise they are stored in electronic mailboxes where they can be read, stored, forwarded to others or simply deleted.

Email is very easy to use, as it is just a case of setting up an account with an email server, such as MSN or AOL, then getting other peoples address to contact them, by just clicking on 'NEW', typing a message, entering the address, then clicking 'SEND'.

I still use email for contacting people who do not have instant mailing, such a MSN Messenger or Facebook, and also for sending large files, like assignments or pictures to other computers, or to other people.

Email lists are mainly used for business usage, providing people with extensive mailing lists. Mailing lists make it possible to send a message to one email address, for automatic redistribution to a large number of individuals' addresses. The typical uses of this are discussions within groups and businesses with a common interest, and also the distribution of information about activities, events and other services.

West Ham United FC

After a poor start to the season, and a lot contoversy still surrounding the Carlos Tevez affair, Gianfranco Zola's West Ham have notched up four wins in their last five, with Carlton Cole suprisingly leading them their. A good run in the league, places West Ham securely in 8th position and looking strong in the FA Cup, playing Hartlepool away this weekend, surely providing a convincing victory.
My prediction for this weekend is a 3 - 1 win for West Ham, also Craig Bellamy to finally get out and go to the money mad Man City. Overall for the season, West Ham will once again play in an FA Cup thriller final, and end up finishing 7th in the league.