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.