Entry 13

The final blog entry of the semester and I can barely come up with a topic...

My final entry will be dedicated to the most effective way to handle public announcements in terms of Simmel's Social Distance Theory. While this depends entirely on the nature of the message, I will attempt to take all elements into account.

Method 1: Mass Email

This is an effective method for announcing a party or event. However, if it is sensitive information, this may not be the most effective way. There are cases when mass numbers of people are involved that this may be appropriate, but only when a final verdict has been reached.

Method 2: Print

A public announcement by paper must be neither important or sensitive. Such as the case in an expulsion from a private university. A print release within 48 hours of the verdict is highly unsensitive and inappropriate.

A public announcement by newsletter can contain more sensitive and important information, such as a dismissal or resignation. This acheives the goal of a more personal conveyance of information.

Method 3: Oral

A public announcement given orally in front of a congregation is appropriate in many situations. This seems to be the most personal way to convey both spectrums of importance and sensitivity.

There are many ways to make a public announcement. The selection of a method seems to come down to the importance and sensitivity of the situation. Other factors include the number of recipients for the message and the nature of the relationship of announcer to recipients.

Simmel's Social Distance Theory applies on each of these levels. Each method conveys a certain emphasis on importance and sensitivity, while the layers of relationship reflect on the method chosen. Public Announcements can quickly define the perceived distance between entities--individuals to each other, individuals to communities, and communities to each other.

Entry 12

This post comes purely from a weekend of reflection on high school, college, and profession football. Although my intention for the weekend was focused purely on meditation and relaxation, I could not separate my experience from what I have been learning in Communication Technology and Society.

It all started with a coach's challenge. The announcer commented on the dialogue the coach was having with his team up in "the booth". The fate of the play, and possibly the game, rested on those 30 seconds of communication. As I reviewed this in my head, I realized how many technologies played into that single situation: video recording and playback, two way audio transmition, visual time-keeping, and others. To get to the main point, I think there is a huge standard of communication in college and pro football that goes completely unnoticed to most spectators.

Calling plays is the single most important element of the coach-player relationship. As I watched different games, I realized how this took place differently at different levels. A high school team generally runs plays in as it substitutes players. A college team, depending on the level, will relay calls by signals or audio. A professional team relies solely on audio calls with an arm sleeve to interpret. It was really interesting to see how this played out through the course of the game.

In high school, there was chaos if the coach needed to call a play quickly. This chaos toned down throughout more advanced levels, but speed was a constant of this element of communication technology.

I think Ellul's theory of image and word has some interesting implications. Within this environment, the two are completely synonymous. The piece of paper held up to call a play means the exact same thing as the play call itself. The play call relates entirely to a reality and not so much to truth. As the two blend, it is incredible to consider if this applies to other areas of life.

In addition to Ellul's theory, the Umbrella Perspective can be applied. Comparing the audio forms used in professional and college levels to the high school word-of-mouth form is ridiculous. Any player would say that having the coach call a play in your ear is the best way to get it. Any coach would say that the ability to call a play at any time is invaluable.

Also, one of the 3 Immutable Laws is kind of negated in this. These comtechs and pace are inversely related. This slows things down and allows the coach to set a slower pace that is not so chaotic.

Entry 11

Within this post, I would like to discuss the development and implications of the online church. Fueled from online discussion, I am incredible interested in how we define church traditionally, and if that definition changes online.



Primarily, looking at the concept of Simmel's Social Distance theory, the online church would be a negative influence in the heart of spirituality. Our understanding of Jesus is that he was and is a completely personal God who has a heart for touching people. Although the way this is communicated to us is perceivably distant, we cannot deny the implications of Jesus' life. An online church would considerably deteriorate one of Jesus' main points of ministry: touch. The laying on of hands, the lifting of the crippled, the embracing of children are each intricate pieces within the ministry of Jesus. Keeping the Social Distance Theory in mind, I do not think we can use the online church as a substitute for the community experienced throughout the history of the church.

In addition to Simmel's theory, Postman's questions can play a significant role in determining the effects of online church. The first question--what problem is being solved--is obviously the inconvenience of a global church, or at least a church with very widespread membership. The second--who is harmed--would fall in line with the composition of the organizational church. All churches would be hurt if online "churching" becomes more prevalent. The third question--new problems--addresses the social implications of an online community of believers. Similar to the social distance factors, the online church would struggle with this new interpretation of church. Would baptisms and weddings be conducted online? The fourth and final question--new power--implies how the church structure and authority would change. With such a broad range of people, how do we determine pastorship, mentorship, and other elements. Do they disappear? Is it limited to the most technologically oriented Christians?

Overall, the online church seems to have far too many holes to fill before being a legitimate substitution for church community.




On the other hand, if we look at the early church, we see that it was born out of an existing community. Today, the case is

Entry 10

This post will discuss the topic of home video. I think it will be very interesting to see how video editing and producing will begin to transform communication. As streaming technology develops, the ability to file share videos will become as readily available as sharing audio files. Although everyone's interest in video is not at the same level as the interest in music or audio, it is still interesting to consider the possibility as the technology becomes more and more user friendly.

The primary consideration must be the necessity of the comtech. Currently, video is not as common as text or audio communication, but YouTube is making ground in this area. Simmel's social distance theory takes some of this into consideration. Text is generally considered the furthest perception of social distance, while audio seems to narrow the gap of intimacy. In this sense, a video comtech would allow for a great perception of intimacy between the communicating parties. It would simulate face to face communication despite the obvious distance. The perception is the key piece in this concept.

Another consideration is the availability of home video. There could be a considerable amount of blurs in the area of privacy. As YouTube has found, there is a huge struggle with monitoring the nature of the videos available for the public. The loss of shame referred to in Postman's theory comes to mind, especially the example of pornography in relation to the internet. YouTube has had a battle with inappropriate material and can only foresee it getting more difficult with the development of video technology.

Entry 9

This post will discuss the presentation concerning virtual reality. I think it was an incredible presentation that introduced some connections I had never made. I had always thought that it pertained most closely to gaming technology, but I had no idea of some of the technology available in this field.

First, I had no idea this was being used in medical fields. Using this as a pshychological tool to treat trauma victims and even psychotherapy patients is something I had never considered. I see immediately the benefits of this, especially considering how many younger people are able to immerse themselves in digital and cyber worlds. There is already a blurred line between reality and cybernetic worlds that it is not hard to imagine the possibilities of creating that for a patient. It seems to connect to Simmel's social distance theory. These technologies are able to seperate the patient from the intimate relationship between scalpal and flesh.

Secondly, I think the ability to communicate by brain activity is ridiculous. If there is a chip that allows us to control electronic devices via a computer, we could, in theory, network our minds. This is a somewhat scary thought. This definitely relates to social distance. Essentially, our minds are networked instantly despite distance. There is almost no space for theoretical "noise" between what our minds wish to communicate and the messages others hear. It is an instantaneous message translated only by a computer program. The programming of this soft and hardware is the only communication device involved in this process. Creepy.

Entry 8

In this post, I wish to discuss the benefits of multi-purpose comtechs. Specifically smart phones. In class, we talked about the possibility of Wi-Fi and Internet ready phones taking the place of laptops and personal computers. A few thoughts and two subjects: 1) the integration of comtechs, and 2) the possible phasing in and out of comtechs.

The first part plays steadily into the 3 immutable laws. However, I think there are some exceptions. I think it directly reflects the second law considering how new comtechs relate to convenience. The ability to synchronize phone, internet, email, pda, scheduler, and others into one comtech is extremely valuable. Usually you have to wait til you get to a computer to check your email, but now you can check email and make a phone call simultaneously. In addition, you could hop on the internet and look up directions. There are so many ways in which this adds convenience to my life. However, I do not think this ties in very closely to the first law. I do not believe this speeds up your life. In fact, I believe the opposite is true. If I leave a class, I can check my email, make a phone call, and schedule a meeting before I get home. The multi-tasking capabilites, in my opinion, create more time and allow you to slow down once you return home. However, I guess this depends on the person.

In consideration of how this might replace personal computers, I do not think the size is convenient for extended surfing or word processing. It is great for on the go stuff, but it is difficult to operate for extended periods of time and not very convenient. Even at this point, the Diffusion Theory has begun and more people are using portable internet technology, but it has not replaced an established comtech. In fact, there has been an increasing in the synching technology which would suggest the importance of the relationship between the two products.

Entry 7

The overhead projector, specifically used for presentations, has transformed many spheres that rely on a structural presentation format. There are two different settings I would like to discuss.

The business setting has seen a radical transformation in presentation styles. An old-style easel with flip pages was the standard for a time. However, with the increasing need for strong, visual sales presentations, powerpoint presentations became the new standard. The ability to insert charts, graphs, pictures with ease and speed quickly gave the overhead video projector a one up.

The classroom setting is another place where this comtech has exploded. Few professors and teachers rely on anything less than a powerpoint presentation, and, consequently, expect nothing less than that from students.

Overall, Jacques Ellul's theory comes to mind in reference to image and truth. This method of presentation and communication brings both into effect. We definitely see the importance of image within this comtech. In the classroom, we are so used to digesting text and lecture that a picture can be a soothing presence to our mind. While we are flooded with truth, a picture can bring it back to reality. In the business world, charts and graphs provide a reality to the numbers. A picture of the product can induce more feelings and prove more persuasive than any sales demo.

However, Neil Postman's question about new problems being created is interesting to consider. I have noticed this in my own class presentations. Students are becoming more reliant on the ppt structure to lead their presentations. There is no need to memorize the information when you have an outline right in front of you. This comes up most apparently when there is a lack of fluid transitions. There is an abrupt shift in thought and speech when the slide is switched. Obviously, good students will still realize the importance of their oral presentation. That is one problem this comtech has created.

Entry 6

There is an interesting communication method being presented over the course of the next year. They are making a fourth Terminator movie that is being precursed by a TV series. This is an incredibly unique system. Many TV series have come from movies, but rarely the other way around. It was so interesting to see how this might fit into communication technologies. The TV series is almost a form of advertising. There are a few thoughts on how this communication could work.

It could fit into Rogers' theory of diffusion. It is difficult to foresee the effectiveness of this strategy, but it will definitely take quite a bit of diffusion for this stategy to be effective. There will be fair amount of people who are chronic television watchers that will buy into it, but it will take a lot of hype to get into more popular circles, as is the case with most TV shows.

Viewing it under the Umbrella Theory provides another perspective that could make a case for its success. There is no competition in this category of advertising. It is such an incredibly unique communication that it is untouched.

Overall, it is not a new technology (TV), but rather a new system within that technology. It could revolutionize both movie and TV technology.

Entry 5

3) What evidence do you see of the impact of communication technologies on our society? This can come from personal experiences, articles you come across in the newspaper, stories from TV etc. - anything that demonstrates changes in society due in part to communication technologies.

As an RA, I have seen the way communication changes from the beginning of the year. Immediately, incoming students are always reading through every message--email, blackboard, syllabus--and listening to every word. About midway through the third week they hit an overload and head in a completely different direction. At this point, all but the most vital messages are utterly ignored. Emails that are designated, or at least seen, as mass emails are definitely ignored. In fact, the messages checked the most are myspace or facebook messages. This depends on the frequency of the messages, but the same principal applies.

I think it associates most closely with Simmel's theory on perceived intimacy. Despite frequency and form, people are still affected by more by perceptions. Mass emails show no intimacy are commonly ignored, while facebook and myspace have a designation of social activity that encourages and produces a form of intimacy.

The only stipulation is this: Even when the form is changed, the intimacy is still perceived differently. Some organizations have started using social networks to communicate and the lack of intimacy is still significant. In this case, it seems that intimacy is only felt through specified and direct communication and has no direct connection to form.

Entry 2

I have recently considered getting one of the new, high-tech cell phones. You know the kind: email, planner, texting, internet, chat, walkie-talkie, etc. I have been so overwhelmed with the pace of life that I want an all-in-one package that keeps track of it all for me. This is what I want to talk about in response to Neil Postman's question:

What new problems might be created because we have solved this problem?

Considering this question is difficult because I have only thought of the upsides of this purchase. If I had a cell phone that had WiFi capabilities, I could check emails on the go. I could email myself reminders. I could check assignments while on the go. Considering assigments now come from several web based sources, this phone would solve many difficulties keeping track of class work. In addition, life as an RA has me constantly checking email for updates on programming and meetings. I have been late or missed several meetings because of a failure to check email. I also have a very difficult time with pen and paper planners. My current cell phone is maxed on its memory because of how often I use the calendar. A cell phone with a much improved calendar system and higher memory would do some wonders for me. But how could this phone create new problems for me? One, the internet access might cause attention difficulties. Having unlimited access to the internet in almost any location might cause me to miss things. In addition, my reliance on one technology might be bad if that technology were to go out. Of course, the only thing I would really miss is the planner and phone. Overall, I think I'm a shying toward making this purchase.

Entry 4

I think that Rogers' diffusion theory is an interesting concept. It makes a ton of sense why some technologies take off and other's fail. Innovators are, as Dr. Sochay would put it, nerds. While they understand the technology better than anyone, they don't have the social networks or skills to communicate the benefits and abilities of this technology. I see a lot of early adopters in terms of the ipod. Thinking of when it came out and the kids in my high school who were the first to have one. They were wealthy and popular. They led and others followed. The rest is history.

One thing I have noticed about this theory is that it may be edging toward a transformation. The thing now that has never been is that the innovators now have large social networks via the internet. Whether they are blogging or gaming, they have an entire online community. They now have their own social code. They have a language with which to communicate. One innovator may be playing Halo 3 online with early adopters and early majority. There is now increased communication between groups that haven't had that before.

Entry 3 (I think...)

I think this is entry 3 because I have two, but they are both titled as entry 1.

The big thing that has been on my mind recently is the use of the internet for classes. In talking with many classmates, we are unsure if the internet has helped our education process. Of course the internet is an absolutely invaluable asset for research and communication, but there are many other things to consider.

First, research is greatly improved with the development of the internet. However, the internet has now become so developed that it is difficult to find a "valid" source. Because of the quantity of sources available, we are now expected to have more sources than we actually need. In addition, because of the quantity of this information, it has become much more difficult to sift through. Some library search engines help, but the sources are limited for many reasons based on the engines filtering process.

Second, communication has been greatly improved. Email, blogs, instant messaging, online forums, social networks, and many others have formed an incredible number of ways to keep in touch with people. Professors have nearly unlimited access to their students, and the same with students to professors. This is good right? Yes and no. Instead of the classic assignment style where the professor gives an assigment in class, the professor now assigns from a variety of medians. The professor assigns a paper at the end of class one, and sends an email the next. After that, there is an assignment posted on blackboard. But is it in the assignments section or the class discussion section? In addition, we can't forget to look in the syllabus. Then, we can't forget to respond on our blog website. Essentially, the potential for an assigment can come from around five or six different places, sometimes from more than one at a time.

Essentially, the development of internet has helped and hurt. We can find information anywhere, but we can't use much of it. There is more communication between professors and students, but also more assignments that can go unnoticed and unkown. It might be that we are in the transition period, and that the next generation will have already been adapted to this and know how to overcome it. However, the positives and negatives are there.

PS. The hard thing about online posts and blogs is that you can type the whole thing, be so relieved that you finished, so excited to submit and forget about it, that you forget to copy and paste. Now what happens in an environment with a system that refreshes constantly and a network that sends info in packets instead of a constant stream? Sometimes, in fact, rather often, the post is lost and must be republished. Difficult to handle for busy college students. But thank God for advancement in communication. Amen?

Entry 1

1. There is huge variation in the messages sent simply in changing the method. The amount of noise in between is a huge factor. With face-to-face, depending on the environment, there is little interference that can come. There are plenty of issues with nonverbals that come in to play, but, in general, the interference that can occur in the span of eight feet is limited. With distance, that interference increases. Phone still allows voice inflection to play a factor and emails and letters bring writing skill into the equation.
I also noticed how important face-to-face plays in discussion. Online posts have no continuity. There is no progression of thought or addition and debate. It is hard to tell which ideas are strongly felt and which are loosely held.

2. Letter writing really transformed a relationship this past summer. A friend of mine was a counselor at a camp in Wyoming. Phone interaction was not an option and internet access was extremely limited. Letters were my only means of communication and they kept a relationship alive and thriving. It allowed them to know me in a way that was previously impossible.

3. I think internet has completely transformed our society. As a youth minister, I realize how much the culture has changed in only 5 years. AOL Instant Messenger was the newest thing when I was in junior high, but blogging and myspacing has come on the scene with force. It has privatized much of young people's communication. They are now able to publish more than text, but can now add video as well. The Gopher football team just had a huge scandal because of facebook and text messaging. Private thoughts are now becoming public, while public thoughts are also being privatized.

4. I think one thing I remember from the Bible is Paul speaking about how his language and writing fails. He always speaks of desiring to be with churches to impart something to them. There is a major emphasis on proximity. Even places he has spent several years with and knows quite well, he longs to be closer to because there is somethings he cannot communicate without being with them. His written word fails and cannot communicate everything he desires to tell them.

My very first com tech society question/response post for the fall 2007 semester of my junior year at bethel university

I want to come away with greater knowledge on how to responsibly approach communication as a Christian. Especially in relation to the Church and its ministy.

Blog Poem

Who decides to write on blogs?
To write about birds, bees, and frogs
Erin has the strongest distaste
She created hers with ferve and haste
I hope no one reads this horrible prose
Its scent is far from a beautiful rose
Im done with this rhyme
Saved for another time