Reflections
Finally the discussion on web and political issues on this blog has come to an end. My experience in creating this blog has been a tiresome but fruitful one indeed. From months of research; to the study of theoretical readings; to keeping a constant watch on current issues on the web and publishing issues, the knowledge I had acquired has further enhance me as a communication student and personal blogger. Besides that, I have also developed several theoretical standpoints that will help me as a blogger and a web designer.
Firstly, I learned that blogging has slowly taken on the form of journalism and vice versa, hence, the standard general rules of publishing, reporting and writing applies. Secondly, I learned that as a responsible blogger, I must sensitive to social norms of the local context. This is because blogging is a form of communication, and the social semiotic approach sees communication as a social action carried out a member of the society within a social context (Schirato and Yell, 2000). Last but not least, I learnt that to create a good website, I must first consider the function of my website. Identifying the audience, context and purpose will help me achieve that target (Weber,1998). User interface and accessibility is just equally important as a design because online users usually want to acquire as much information in the shortest and fastest way possible (Nielsen,2008; Schriver, 1997).
Lastly, I hope this website has given you much in sights as it has given me.
Reference List
Schriver, K.A. 1997, The interplay of words and pictures, Dynamics in document design: creating texts for readers, Wiley Computer Publications, New York, Ch. 6, pp. 364-440.
Schirato, T & S. Yell. 2000, Communication and Cultural Literacy: An Introduction, Allen & Unwin, Australia, Chapter 3, pp. 43-65.
Weber, J. 1998, Editing Web Sites, Technical Editors Eyrie, viewed 10th November 2008, http://www.jeanweber.com/newsite/?page_id=62
Nielsen,J.2008, Aspects of design quality, useit.com, viewed 10th November 2008,http://www.useit.com/alertbox/quality-correlations.html
Thursday, November 13, 2008
On the nternet and Malaysian Politics
Online media: the new player in Malaysian politics?
The 12th Malaysian General Election was held under the power of its curent Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdulla Ahmad Badawi.
In March 8th this year, Malaysians witness the power of the online media in its general election that was likened to a political tsunami. For the first time ever since 1969, the ruling coalition party, Barisan National, lost its two-third majority win and 5 state assemblies to opposition parties. Political analyst observe that a huge factor that contributed to the opposition's victory is the online media.
Lee (2008) states that this time around, candidates from the opposition party such as Jeff Ooi, Hannah Yeoh and Loh Gwo Burne had cleverly and ferociously used their blogs as a means to gain support. The enthusiasm of these bloggers, fuelled by the people's increasing apetite for more open and unbiased news, steered the course of the March 8th elections.
Jeff Ooi, seasoned political blogger.
Malaysia, known to be a semi-democratic nation, has always been criticised for its restriction on freedom of speech and expression (Anuar, 2005). Under the oppression of tight regulations and media control, the opposition parties received little or no coverage during every election. Draconian legislations legislations such as the Internal Securities Act (1960), the Broadcasting Act(1998) and the Printing Presses and Publications Act (1984) are seen as the government’s initiative to tighten its grip over the media (Zaharom, 2002).
Yet, members of the parliament, civil society organizations, activists and the nation’s youth cleverly utilized the online media to their advantage. Youth organizations used mass emails, Facebook, blogs and networking groups to spread awareness about voting. Prior to the election, alternatives news sites offering unbiased information sprung up almost overnight (Koh, 2008). In fact, on the night election results were released, legions of voters relied heavily on these independent news sites because television broadcast was slow to release official results (Lee, 2008).
Political blogs are now seen to be useful tools in election campaigns because its democratic and open discourses often allow readers to relate to them. Schirato and Yell (2000) argues that when we read a text, be it written or spoken, we form a relationshp with that text and the agent who produced it. When we read about the injustice bloggers and democratic advocators face, we tend to sympathyze with them. This is because meaning making is not just a social action but a form of interaction (Schirato and Yell, 2000).
Reference List
Anuar, M.K. 2005, Politics and the media in Malaysia, Kasarinlan: Philippine Journal of Third World Studies 2005, Vol.20, No.1, pp. 25-47.
Koh L.C. 2008, Was this election made on the Internet? New Straits Times, March 12, p. 25.
Lee, S.L. 2008, Cyberspace now the new frontline, News Strait Times,
March 12, p. 25.
Schirato, T & S. Yell. 2000, Communication and Cultural Literacy: An Introduction, Allen & Unwin, Australia, Chapter 3, pp. 43-65.
Zaharom, N. and Mutafa K.A. 1998, Ownership and control of the Malaysian
media. Media Development, vol.14, No.4, pp. 9-14.
The 12th Malaysian General Election was held under the power of its curent Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdulla Ahmad Badawi.
In March 8th this year, Malaysians witness the power of the online media in its general election that was likened to a political tsunami. For the first time ever since 1969, the ruling coalition party, Barisan National, lost its two-third majority win and 5 state assemblies to opposition parties. Political analyst observe that a huge factor that contributed to the opposition's victory is the online media.
Lee (2008) states that this time around, candidates from the opposition party such as Jeff Ooi, Hannah Yeoh and Loh Gwo Burne had cleverly and ferociously used their blogs as a means to gain support. The enthusiasm of these bloggers, fuelled by the people's increasing apetite for more open and unbiased news, steered the course of the March 8th elections.
Jeff Ooi, seasoned political blogger.
Malaysia, known to be a semi-democratic nation, has always been criticised for its restriction on freedom of speech and expression (Anuar, 2005). Under the oppression of tight regulations and media control, the opposition parties received little or no coverage during every election. Draconian legislations legislations such as the Internal Securities Act (1960), the Broadcasting Act(1998) and the Printing Presses and Publications Act (1984) are seen as the government’s initiative to tighten its grip over the media (Zaharom, 2002).
Yet, members of the parliament, civil society organizations, activists and the nation’s youth cleverly utilized the online media to their advantage. Youth organizations used mass emails, Facebook, blogs and networking groups to spread awareness about voting. Prior to the election, alternatives news sites offering unbiased information sprung up almost overnight (Koh, 2008). In fact, on the night election results were released, legions of voters relied heavily on these independent news sites because television broadcast was slow to release official results (Lee, 2008).
Political blogs are now seen to be useful tools in election campaigns because its democratic and open discourses often allow readers to relate to them. Schirato and Yell (2000) argues that when we read a text, be it written or spoken, we form a relationshp with that text and the agent who produced it. When we read about the injustice bloggers and democratic advocators face, we tend to sympathyze with them. This is because meaning making is not just a social action but a form of interaction (Schirato and Yell, 2000).
Reference List
Anuar, M.K. 2005, Politics and the media in Malaysia, Kasarinlan: Philippine Journal of Third World Studies 2005, Vol.20, No.1, pp. 25-47.
Koh L.C. 2008, Was this election made on the Internet? New Straits Times, March 12, p. 25.
Lee, S.L. 2008, Cyberspace now the new frontline, News Strait Times,
March 12, p. 25.
Schirato, T & S. Yell. 2000, Communication and Cultural Literacy: An Introduction, Allen & Unwin, Australia, Chapter 3, pp. 43-65.
Zaharom, N. and Mutafa K.A. 1998, Ownership and control of the Malaysian
media. Media Development, vol.14, No.4, pp. 9-14.
White House 2.0?
More effective e-government
Speculators are bracing themselves for a technology driven government under the Obama administration once the newly elected President takes over the White House next year (Obama to preside over White House 2.0, 2008)
Since his election campaign strategy relied much on the web such as Facebook, Youtube-many believe Obama would use the Internet and its vast database and community to mobilise advocacy. If so, President Obama could also improve government websites to fulfill the needs of the people.
Obama's website, www.barackobama.com
A study done by marketing consulting firm Accenture, shows that treating citizens as if they were customers has helped government sites around the world become more ‘sophisticated’ (Kane, 2002). The report indicates that governments have a tendency to treat citizens and businesses like customers and to employ customer relations management theories when delivering public services.
These governments have earned the honorary by exercising innovative Web practices on their portals. For example, a Canadian website allows citizens to register for unemployment insurance online. Sites in the United States, Australia, Norway and Japan let workers create and submit resumes and allow employers to search for candidates.
The initiative taken by the government to ease administration process is commendable. Then again, these websites should also be user friendly and accessible. To design a ‘good’ website, Nielsen (2005) suggests visualising the ‘total user experience’ before designing websites. Common mistake web designers make is too focus too much on the layout of the website yet neglect user interface (Nielsen, 2005).
Weber (1998) states that audience, purpose and context must be determined before designing a website. Besides that, it is important to make sure that navigation and hyperlinks work (Weber, 1998). The proper use of images must not be undermined too because irrelevant images may turn readers off. Schriver (1997) suggests two important characteristics of prose and graphics combinations: 1. the quality of the text and design. 2. the time and space between the prose and graphics.
Reference List
Kane, M. 2002, Study: government sites 'sophisticated', CNet News, Business Tech, viewed 9th November 2008, http://news.cnet.com/Study-Government-sites-sophisticated/2100-1017_3-889261.html?tag=mncol
Obama to preside over White House 2.0 2008, The Star Online, November 10, viewed 10th November 2008, http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/10/uselection08/2503875&sec=uselection08
Weber, J.H. 1998, Editing web sites, Techinica Editors Eyrie, viewed 30th October 2008, http://www.jeanweber.com/newsite/?page_id=62#prob
Nielsen, J. 2008, Aspects of Design Quality, useit.com, viewed 30th October 2008, http://www.useit.com/alertbox/quality-correlations.html
Speculators are bracing themselves for a technology driven government under the Obama administration once the newly elected President takes over the White House next year (Obama to preside over White House 2.0, 2008)
Since his election campaign strategy relied much on the web such as Facebook, Youtube-many believe Obama would use the Internet and its vast database and community to mobilise advocacy. If so, President Obama could also improve government websites to fulfill the needs of the people.
Obama's website, www.barackobama.com
A study done by marketing consulting firm Accenture, shows that treating citizens as if they were customers has helped government sites around the world become more ‘sophisticated’ (Kane, 2002). The report indicates that governments have a tendency to treat citizens and businesses like customers and to employ customer relations management theories when delivering public services.
These governments have earned the honorary by exercising innovative Web practices on their portals. For example, a Canadian website allows citizens to register for unemployment insurance online. Sites in the United States, Australia, Norway and Japan let workers create and submit resumes and allow employers to search for candidates.
The initiative taken by the government to ease administration process is commendable. Then again, these websites should also be user friendly and accessible. To design a ‘good’ website, Nielsen (2005) suggests visualising the ‘total user experience’ before designing websites. Common mistake web designers make is too focus too much on the layout of the website yet neglect user interface (Nielsen, 2005).
Weber (1998) states that audience, purpose and context must be determined before designing a website. Besides that, it is important to make sure that navigation and hyperlinks work (Weber, 1998). The proper use of images must not be undermined too because irrelevant images may turn readers off. Schriver (1997) suggests two important characteristics of prose and graphics combinations: 1. the quality of the text and design. 2. the time and space between the prose and graphics.
Reference List
Kane, M. 2002, Study: government sites 'sophisticated', CNet News, Business Tech, viewed 9th November 2008, http://news.cnet.com/Study-Government-sites-sophisticated/2100-1017_3-889261.html?tag=mncol
Obama to preside over White House 2.0 2008, The Star Online, November 10, viewed 10th November 2008, http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/11/10/uselection08/2503875&sec=uselection08
Weber, J.H. 1998, Editing web sites, Techinica Editors Eyrie, viewed 30th October 2008, http://www.jeanweber.com/newsite/?page_id=62#prob
Nielsen, J. 2008, Aspects of Design Quality, useit.com, viewed 30th October 2008, http://www.useit.com/alertbox/quality-correlations.html
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
On Internet Censorship
Is Internet Censorship Lawful?
The recent crackdown on bloggers in Malaysia and the debate over lawful internet censorship reminded me of a similar situation that happened in Australia last year. In November 2007, a new legislation was put forth the Federal Parliament to tighten the classification procedures on publications, films and computer games. Federal Attorney General, Phillip Ruddock, says the legislation is aimed to curb materials containing terrorist connotations (ABC, 2007).
However, the government’s move to filter and block any material that it deems as a threat infringes the people’s freedom to information and expression (ABC, 2007). Besides, the nature and level of threat a context has is highly subjective. Is stripping
the fundamental right to freedom of expression and information justifiable in the name of national security? That question is still being debated from time to time.
Australian government tightens censorship laws to curb terrorist threat. (ABC Radio, 2007)
In our Malaysian context, the government has also launched a crackdown on bloggers whom are deemed as a threat to national peace and racial unity. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission ordered all 19 of the country's Internet service providers to block the political portal Malaysia Today, a controversial site that boldly criticizes government policies (Lee, 2008). Ironically, the government had pledged to ‘no Internet censorship’ when it launched its Multimedia Super Corridor strategy in 1996 (Lee, 2008).
Controversial political blogger, Raja Petra Kamarudin says the government 'has definitely broke its promises (Lee, 2008)
Although the intention of the government to ‘protect’ the people may be genuine, there should be balanced provisions to ensure that freedom of speech and mainstream popular culture is not impinged. Besides, whether the contents threatens or harms a reader is subjected to his or her own interpretation. There could a hidden ulterior motive of the government to rule out materials that opposes them. After all, Schirato and Yell (2000) have pointed out that the social semiotic approach to communication sees it as a social practise, carried out by social agents within a social context. The meaning making process is not merely text but knowledge driven (Schriver, 1997). Arguably, a person who lost his family member in the 9/11 attack will hold more prejudice against Muslims than someone who has not.
Reference List
Australian censorship laws tightened, Media Report, Radio National, ABC Radio, Melbourne, reviewed 11th November 2008, http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2007/1998822.htm
Lee, M.K. 2008, With site blocked, Malaysia seem to break promise, Politics and Law, CNet News, viewed 10th November 2008, http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10030325-38.html?tag=mncol
Schriver, K.A. 1997, The interplay of words and pictures, Dynamics in document design: creating texts for readers, Wiley Computer Publications, New York, Ch. 6, pp. 364-440.
Schirato, T & S. Yell. 2000, Communication and Cultural Literacy: An Introduction, Allen & Unwin, Australia, Chapter 3, pp. 43-65.
The recent crackdown on bloggers in Malaysia and the debate over lawful internet censorship reminded me of a similar situation that happened in Australia last year. In November 2007, a new legislation was put forth the Federal Parliament to tighten the classification procedures on publications, films and computer games. Federal Attorney General, Phillip Ruddock, says the legislation is aimed to curb materials containing terrorist connotations (ABC, 2007).
However, the government’s move to filter and block any material that it deems as a threat infringes the people’s freedom to information and expression (ABC, 2007). Besides, the nature and level of threat a context has is highly subjective. Is stripping
the fundamental right to freedom of expression and information justifiable in the name of national security? That question is still being debated from time to time.
Australian government tightens censorship laws to curb terrorist threat. (ABC Radio, 2007)
In our Malaysian context, the government has also launched a crackdown on bloggers whom are deemed as a threat to national peace and racial unity. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission ordered all 19 of the country's Internet service providers to block the political portal Malaysia Today, a controversial site that boldly criticizes government policies (Lee, 2008). Ironically, the government had pledged to ‘no Internet censorship’ when it launched its Multimedia Super Corridor strategy in 1996 (Lee, 2008).
Controversial political blogger, Raja Petra Kamarudin says the government 'has definitely broke its promises (Lee, 2008)
Although the intention of the government to ‘protect’ the people may be genuine, there should be balanced provisions to ensure that freedom of speech and mainstream popular culture is not impinged. Besides, whether the contents threatens or harms a reader is subjected to his or her own interpretation. There could a hidden ulterior motive of the government to rule out materials that opposes them. After all, Schirato and Yell (2000) have pointed out that the social semiotic approach to communication sees it as a social practise, carried out by social agents within a social context. The meaning making process is not merely text but knowledge driven (Schriver, 1997). Arguably, a person who lost his family member in the 9/11 attack will hold more prejudice against Muslims than someone who has not.
Reference List
Australian censorship laws tightened, Media Report, Radio National, ABC Radio, Melbourne, reviewed 11th November 2008, http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2007/1998822.htm
Lee, M.K. 2008, With site blocked, Malaysia seem to break promise, Politics and Law, CNet News, viewed 10th November 2008, http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10030325-38.html?tag=mncol
Schriver, K.A. 1997, The interplay of words and pictures, Dynamics in document design: creating texts for readers, Wiley Computer Publications, New York, Ch. 6, pp. 364-440.
Schirato, T & S. Yell. 2000, Communication and Cultural Literacy: An Introduction, Allen & Unwin, Australia, Chapter 3, pp. 43-65.
On New Media and Political Campaigns
Obama Uses iPhone to Win
www.todaysseniornetwork.com
It seems that the influence of technology has inevitably made its presence in the political arena worldwide. I can still recall how we Malaysians witness the impact of the Internet in our 12th General Election held earlier this year. Now, US Presidential candidates are tapping into the Internet zone to gain the people’s support.
Shiels (2008) from BBC News reported that recently elected US President, Barack Obama had used iPhone as political recruiting tool. The application, named ‘Call Friends’ were developed by volunteers to help voters organize contacts in swing states. Besides that, it also allows one to get up-to-date news and videos on the ongoing campaigns (Shiels, 2008). The Internet seems to be a bigger player in the presidential campaigns this year as Obama and McCain used websites, YouTube and Facebook as campaigning tools to raise funds, air announcements and to gain popularity by raising their social networking profile (Shiels, 2008).
www.responsiblemarketing.com
Barack Obama's Presidential Announcement, YouTube, 10th December 2007.
With more than 600 million Internet users (Internet usage in Asia, 2008) in the world, reaching out to electorates via the web seems to be a viable strategy indeed. However, Finkelstein (2008) does not he seem to agree. He argues that great Internet campaigns that are heavily saturated with marketing tactics does not guarantee success in politics, as shown in John Edwards Democratic campaign in the UK recently.
Nonetheless, in my opinion, it will be hard to disregard the new media as a big player in politics in years to come. This is because political websites offer a much more dynamic way for citizens to be engaged in politics. Websites that have relevant video, audio and graphic elements will definitely lure the attention of readers, as Reep (2005) states.
Reference List
Shiels, M. 2008, Obama uses iPhone to win support, BBC News, October 3rd, viewed 10th November 2008, http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/technology/7649753.stm
Finkelstein, S. 2008, Great internet campaigns don't guarantee success in politics, guardian.co.uk, viewed 8th November 2007, http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/feb/14/politics.internet
Reep, D. 2006, Technical writing: document design, 6th ed., Pearson and Longman, New York, chapt.6, pp. 133-172.
www.todaysseniornetwork.comIt seems that the influence of technology has inevitably made its presence in the political arena worldwide. I can still recall how we Malaysians witness the impact of the Internet in our 12th General Election held earlier this year. Now, US Presidential candidates are tapping into the Internet zone to gain the people’s support.
Shiels (2008) from BBC News reported that recently elected US President, Barack Obama had used iPhone as political recruiting tool. The application, named ‘Call Friends’ were developed by volunteers to help voters organize contacts in swing states. Besides that, it also allows one to get up-to-date news and videos on the ongoing campaigns (Shiels, 2008). The Internet seems to be a bigger player in the presidential campaigns this year as Obama and McCain used websites, YouTube and Facebook as campaigning tools to raise funds, air announcements and to gain popularity by raising their social networking profile (Shiels, 2008).
www.responsiblemarketing.comBarack Obama's Presidential Announcement, YouTube, 10th December 2007.
With more than 600 million Internet users (Internet usage in Asia, 2008) in the world, reaching out to electorates via the web seems to be a viable strategy indeed. However, Finkelstein (2008) does not he seem to agree. He argues that great Internet campaigns that are heavily saturated with marketing tactics does not guarantee success in politics, as shown in John Edwards Democratic campaign in the UK recently.
Nonetheless, in my opinion, it will be hard to disregard the new media as a big player in politics in years to come. This is because political websites offer a much more dynamic way for citizens to be engaged in politics. Websites that have relevant video, audio and graphic elements will definitely lure the attention of readers, as Reep (2005) states.
Reference List
Shiels, M. 2008, Obama uses iPhone to win support, BBC News, October 3rd, viewed 10th November 2008, http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/technology/7649753.stm
Finkelstein, S. 2008, Great internet campaigns don't guarantee success in politics, guardian.co.uk, viewed 8th November 2007, http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/feb/14/politics.internet
Reep, D. 2006, Technical writing: document design, 6th ed., Pearson and Longman, New York, chapt.6, pp. 133-172.
On Designing for Web vs. Print
Multimodality
Although web and print document are both multimodal texts, the former is slightly more complicated as it synchronizes text, graphics, audio and visual elements (Schriver, 1997). Hence, designing for both documents require different set of methods. Nonetheless, the systems of layout such as information value, salience and framing apply to web and print documents (Kress and van Leeuwen, 1998).
Web vs. Print
The key concept behind these designs is that form follows function.
Theorists argue that form has function because the function of the design, including its objectives, audience and cost decides how the form of the design should be (Bear, 2008). For example, since readers of print document follow a single linear path, the arrangements of these elements are very crucial in deciding how the text would be interpreted (Walsh, 2006).
Generally, pictures in print designs would take up more than half the front page to command greater salience using the Triptych form (Kress and Van Leeuwen, 1998). This is important so that readers can ‘fill in the gaps’ once they see the text to arrive at the intended meaning (Walsh, 2006). This strategy however, is not that important in web designs because readers follow a multi-linear path (Walsh, 2006). Note the difference between the front cover of Time Magazine as the home page of its website.
Time Magazine, US edition, vol.172, no.20
Time.com Homepage
The pictures featured on Time Magazine's website were distributed across the page, functioning more as a complementary guide to indicate the contents shown in the links (Shriver, 1997).Nielsen (2008) argues that usability and accessibility are more important aspects of web designs. For example, most users are reportedly irked by metaphorical links that do not work (Nielsen, 2008). In fact, browser incompatibility and non standard links are the top ten web design mistakes designers often make (Nielson, 2005).
Reference List
Bear, J.H. 2008, Form and function in design publishing, About.com, viewed 4th October 2008, http://desktoppub.about.com/od/graphicdesign/a/formfunction.htm
Kress, G. & Lueewen, T. 1998, Frontpages: Analysis of newspaper layout, in COMM 1033. (UNISA electronic library)
Nielsen, J. 2005, Top ten web design mistakes of 2005, Useit.com, viewed 10th November 2008,
Nielsen, J. 2008, Aspects of Design Quality, Useit.com, viewed 10th November 2008,
Schriver, K.A. 1997, The interplay of words and pictures, Dynamics in document design: creating texts for readers, Wiley Computer Publications, New York, Ch. 6, pp. 364-440.
Walsh, M. 2006, ‘Textual shift’: Examining the reading process with print, visual and multimodal texts, Australian Journal of Language and Literacy, vol.29, no.1, p. 24-37.
Although web and print document are both multimodal texts, the former is slightly more complicated as it synchronizes text, graphics, audio and visual elements (Schriver, 1997). Hence, designing for both documents require different set of methods. Nonetheless, the systems of layout such as information value, salience and framing apply to web and print documents (Kress and van Leeuwen, 1998).
Web vs. Print
The key concept behind these designs is that form follows function.
Theorists argue that form has function because the function of the design, including its objectives, audience and cost decides how the form of the design should be (Bear, 2008). For example, since readers of print document follow a single linear path, the arrangements of these elements are very crucial in deciding how the text would be interpreted (Walsh, 2006).
Generally, pictures in print designs would take up more than half the front page to command greater salience using the Triptych form (Kress and Van Leeuwen, 1998). This is important so that readers can ‘fill in the gaps’ once they see the text to arrive at the intended meaning (Walsh, 2006). This strategy however, is not that important in web designs because readers follow a multi-linear path (Walsh, 2006). Note the difference between the front cover of Time Magazine as the home page of its website.
Time Magazine, US edition, vol.172, no.20
Time.com Homepage
The pictures featured on Time Magazine's website were distributed across the page, functioning more as a complementary guide to indicate the contents shown in the links (Shriver, 1997).Nielsen (2008) argues that usability and accessibility are more important aspects of web designs. For example, most users are reportedly irked by metaphorical links that do not work (Nielsen, 2008). In fact, browser incompatibility and non standard links are the top ten web design mistakes designers often make (Nielson, 2005).
Reference List
Bear, J.H. 2008, Form and function in design publishing, About.com, viewed 4th October 2008, http://desktoppub.about.com/od/graphicdesign/a/formfunction.htm
Kress, G. & Lueewen, T. 1998, Frontpages: Analysis of newspaper layout, in COMM 1033. (UNISA electronic library)
Nielsen, J. 2005, Top ten web design mistakes of 2005, Useit.com, viewed 10th November 2008,
Nielsen, J. 2008, Aspects of Design Quality, Useit.com, viewed 10th November 2008,
Schriver, K.A. 1997, The interplay of words and pictures, Dynamics in document design: creating texts for readers, Wiley Computer Publications, New York, Ch. 6, pp. 364-440.
Walsh, M. 2006, ‘Textual shift’: Examining the reading process with print, visual and multimodal texts, Australian Journal of Language and Literacy, vol.29, no.1, p. 24-37.
On Types of Blogs and Blogging Community
Types of Blogs
According to Wikipedia (2008), there are many different types of blogs, each differing in style and content. Wikipedia categorizes them into six types:
1. Personal Blogs
2. Corporate Blogs
3. Question Blogging
4. Blogs by Media Type, i.e.: log, photolog
5. Blogs by Device, ie: moblog
6. Specialised Blogs, ie: fashion blogs, political blogs
Moblogs, www.smartdevicefreeware.com
On the other hand, Margaret Simons, an author and media analyst, seems to classify blogs more specifically. Although her distinction is also based on the style and content, she also focuses on the motive and function of the blog (Simons, 2008). In a nutshell, her classifications of blogs are:
1. Pamphleteering Blogs
2. The Digest Blog
3. The Advocacy Blog
4. The Popular Mechanics Blog
5. The Exhibition Blog
6. The Gatewatcher Blog
7. The Diary
8. The Advertisement
9. The News Blog
Social Semiotics and Blogs
Given the large number and variety of blogs available on the web, it is hard to distinguish between the natures of each blog, especially since the word ‘blog’ itself offer little differentiation (Simons, 2008). One of the best ways to tell them apart is perhaps by looking at the social semiotics behind these blogs. By identifying the field (purpose of the context), tenor (target audience) and mode (how is text structured, writing styles), we will be able to gauge the sort of message each blog contains and therefore sort them out into their respective categories (Schirato and Yell, 2000).
The Blogging Community
The blogging community can be defined as an online social network that links people with a shared common interest through personal blogs. Analysts have identified three forms of blog based communities-the Blogger Centric Community, the Topic Centric Community and the Boundaried Community (White, 2006).
Three forms of blogging community
One of the blogging communities that I have come across is Share Your Story, a site for parents with babies in neonatal intensive care units. It is good example of a Boundaried Community where other tools such as discussion boards, social networking systems and instant messaging built in are part of the overall system (shareyourstory.org, 2008).
www.shareyourstory.org
As a social blogger myself, I can form a blogging community on my personal blog by using tools such as comment form, shout box, tags and permalink that will foster interaction between the readers and I.
Reference List
Blog 2008, Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia, November 13, viewed 11th November 2008, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Cite&page=Blog&id=251496721
Schirato, T & S. Yell. 2000, Communication and Cultural Literacy: An Introduction, Allen & Unwin, Australia, Chapter 3, pp. 43-65.
Simons, M. 2008, Towards a taxanomy of blogs, Creative economy.org, September 11, viewed 10th November 2008, http://www.creative.org.au/webboard/results.chtml?filename_num=229836
White, N. 2006, Blogs and Community-launching a new paradigm for online community,The Knowledge Tree, September 2005, 11th ed., viewed 10th November 2008, http://kt.flexiblelearning.net.au/tkt2006/edition-11-editorial/blogs-and-community-%E2%80%93-launching-a-new-paradigm-for-online-community
According to Wikipedia (2008), there are many different types of blogs, each differing in style and content. Wikipedia categorizes them into six types:
1. Personal Blogs
2. Corporate Blogs
3. Question Blogging
4. Blogs by Media Type, i.e.: log, photolog
5. Blogs by Device, ie: moblog
6. Specialised Blogs, ie: fashion blogs, political blogs
Moblogs, www.smartdevicefreeware.com
On the other hand, Margaret Simons, an author and media analyst, seems to classify blogs more specifically. Although her distinction is also based on the style and content, she also focuses on the motive and function of the blog (Simons, 2008). In a nutshell, her classifications of blogs are:
1. Pamphleteering Blogs
2. The Digest Blog
3. The Advocacy Blog
4. The Popular Mechanics Blog
5. The Exhibition Blog
6. The Gatewatcher Blog
7. The Diary
8. The Advertisement
9. The News Blog
Social Semiotics and Blogs
Given the large number and variety of blogs available on the web, it is hard to distinguish between the natures of each blog, especially since the word ‘blog’ itself offer little differentiation (Simons, 2008). One of the best ways to tell them apart is perhaps by looking at the social semiotics behind these blogs. By identifying the field (purpose of the context), tenor (target audience) and mode (how is text structured, writing styles), we will be able to gauge the sort of message each blog contains and therefore sort them out into their respective categories (Schirato and Yell, 2000).
The Blogging Community
The blogging community can be defined as an online social network that links people with a shared common interest through personal blogs. Analysts have identified three forms of blog based communities-the Blogger Centric Community, the Topic Centric Community and the Boundaried Community (White, 2006).
Three forms of blogging community
One of the blogging communities that I have come across is Share Your Story, a site for parents with babies in neonatal intensive care units. It is good example of a Boundaried Community where other tools such as discussion boards, social networking systems and instant messaging built in are part of the overall system (shareyourstory.org, 2008).
www.shareyourstory.org
As a social blogger myself, I can form a blogging community on my personal blog by using tools such as comment form, shout box, tags and permalink that will foster interaction between the readers and I.
Reference List
Blog 2008, Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia, November 13, viewed 11th November 2008, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Cite&page=Blog&id=251496721
Schirato, T & S. Yell. 2000, Communication and Cultural Literacy: An Introduction, Allen & Unwin, Australia, Chapter 3, pp. 43-65.
Simons, M. 2008, Towards a taxanomy of blogs, Creative economy.org, September 11, viewed 10th November 2008, http://www.creative.org.au/webboard/results.chtml?filename_num=229836
White, N. 2006, Blogs and Community-launching a new paradigm for online community,The Knowledge Tree, September 2005, 11th ed., viewed 10th November 2008, http://kt.flexiblelearning.net.au/tkt2006/edition-11-editorial/blogs-and-community-%E2%80%93-launching-a-new-paradigm-for-online-community
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