Facebook Vs Google

Facebook and Google are two major companies that are in competition, but are not exactly known for the same thing because they do different things.  Google is known for the search part of the web and Facebook is known for its social networking.  Now is when the controversy between the two will start because Facebook is now launching an email service that is there to compete with Google and others.  Facebook is trying to make everyone use their site for everything not just social networking.  They want to make it more attractive so people want to go to Facebook rather than Google.  People used to spend half as much time on Facebook, but now they are about equal in time spent per month. Facebook's service is designed to combine email, instant message and cell phone text messages into one system.  Since Facebook is now trying to be more like Google with email, Google is now doing the same and trying to create a social network of its own to compete with them in that aspect. Facebook has been said it is a threat to Google because it is a way to find out a lot about an individual.  The two big companies have actually met and tired to come to an agreement with the data sharing matter and hopefully come to a truce between the two.

The Nook Color

The Nook color device is a 7 inch touch screen that requires WiFi to read and download books, also is capable of surfing the web.  The device is priced at $249, which is previously $100 more than last year’s model.  You can buy the Nook Color at Barnes and Noble’s and upon purchase you can download books through their library database.  The Nook Color has some new function that include a color touch screen and an app that allows users to share what their reading.  This device runs on the Android 2.1 operating system and by next year they expect to update to the 2.2 that will allow you to play flash videos.  There are over 2 million books you can download and that is not all because you have access to magazines and other types of readings.  The Nook has covered all areas when it comes to web sharing with friends including sharing what you are reading. 

The Samsung Galaxy

The Samsung galaxy Tab is the iPads first real competitor and is basically a device which is similar to a laptop and can carry out most of the same tasks.  The Tab can be used for browsing the web, emails, and many others.  The typical cost of the Galaxy Tab is $400-$600 and they vary depending on a contract and cellular device.  Similar to the iPad the Tab uses Google’s Android operating system, but one thing that differs is the size of the two.  The iPad is about two inches bigger than the Tab and when you are dealing with something like this the size is remarkably different when you compare them.  The Tab has a base model that matches up with the iPad and they are both equipped with 16 gigabytes.  The hardware varies because there is a model that has a removable card so depending on that you can have more gigabytes.     The size as I mentioned before is notably different and the iPad is 2.7 inches bigger than the Galaxy Tab.  In all reality the size difference is half of Apples product and is something that will negatively affect the sale of this product.  The Tab’s battery life was outlasted by almost double the time of the iPad.  The Tab lasted six hours, 50 minutes, while the iPad lasted 11 hours, 28 minutes.  Overall these two competitors are about even, but the tester went with the Apple product for a number of reasons.  He also left of saying that it will be a competitor because of the pricing, but in the end the consumer will make the decision.

Describe how a cell phone works so a 12 year old could understand it?

A cell phone is a communication device that lets you talk to someone no matter how far away they are.  You can store information in this device even send messages by typing somewhat like a computer.  Every cell phone has a number and by dialing a specific number that determines who you want to talk to.  They can be used for a number of things, whether it’s to call someone, look up information, or even send a text message.  There are many types of cell phones and they all work in different ways, but all of them have a keyboard that allows you to type numbers and letters.  They have different phones for different kind of people and depending on what you looking for in a phone.  Some people, like parents would like a simple phone mainly used for calling.  Where on the other hand kids wants a phone that does it all including internet, texting, and many others.  The main reason for having a cell phone is to be able to communicate with someone no matter where you are. 

What are the main issues in spectrum allocation?

The main issues in spectrum alloacation are that no matte how secure you think a conversation may be there is no place safe enough.  In today’s society there are so many things that allow people to intercept a phone call and this is becoming a problem.  The only way someone should be recorded is if they are under legal investigation and nothing else.  With spectrum allocation automatically if we use a cordless phone our privacy is thrown right out the window.  Even if we speak in public there are machine that can hear your voice from further away and be listening in on your conversation.  Today we see this more and more and this is not the case of nosy neighbors, but more of people you don’t want listening for your own benefit.  Nosy neighbors should not be listening either, but we are talking more serious conditions where people are listening in order to plot against you.  Spectrum allocation is becoming more violated because the ease of how people can encrypt pieces of your calls if not the entire thing.

What has been the main impact of the Telecom Act?

The Telecom act changed was proposed to change and hopefully help ownership rules that applied.  By changing these rules they wanted to let the free market overcome ownership rules that were previously applied by the FCC.  Their idea was that competition and new technology advances would itself change the market and drive down prices.    The Supreme Court’s ruling now allowed competing broadband providers access to their respective networks.  Due to this cable companies will have to jack up prices and rates on television and may eventually be forced to subsidize their existence in the phone business.  As consumers we have the choice of who we pay for the services because there are a variety of different companies.  We can keep anything in mind when picking a particular company and most would have money in mind.  There are a number of different things that this act has impacted by changing some rules and it is something society had to change with.  It was not necessarily a bad thing for consumers because we now have options when we pick a carrier.  This Act was proposed for a reason and like all decisions they have consequences that come with them.

Imagine you are a PR practitioner hired to promote X. What steps and tools would you use and why?

If I were a Public relations practitioner hired to promote Concordia College there are certain steps I would take in order to achieve my goal and gaining the public’s eye. In order to know who I am targeting and dealing with I would have to research and know background on whom I am trying to reach out to.   Once I have done my research I would put out my message through various media channels including television, radio, and the internet.   Another step I would take is planning events to show the public hands on what Concordia College is about and let the experience it for themselves.   Once I have scheduled events and did my best to advertise the college through various ways I would then wait for feedback.  Next I would determine whether my message was interpreted in the way I meant for those to understand.  If so I would have felt as if I reached my audience that I wanted to reach, also did all I could to gain the public’s interest in the College.  When hired to promote anything whether it is a college, business, or even a specific product you must gain the peoples trust in whom you are selling to.  You want to make them believe in what you are promoting.  If you are successful in this they will back you and contribute in the way you want them to.  You now will have a mutual relationship here between the seller and the buyer where you both can benefit from doing business.

What are the four models of public relations?

           There are four models of public relations and they include the press publicity model, public information model, two-way asymmetric model, and symmetric model.  The press publicity model is the practice of a one-way communication telling the public anything to get them to jump on board and back their product.  The public information model is also one-way communication because you are sending out various messages through different media channels not every knowing if our message reached them.  Two-way asymmetric is the most popular PR channel used today and it is sending out a message and then researching to see if your message got across to the public.  The last model is Two-way symmetric is to research the public and find out how they get their information.  Also to see if the public and your company have a future together and if one can benefit from another.  All these models are ways to get across to their audience and finding out how to reach them significantly and impact them in a way where they will now be customer to you and your company.

What are the key elements to successful public relations?

      Public relations has a few aspects of being successful and doing what it takes to get the attention of the people you are trying to reach.  First you need a background on the individuals you are trying to reach and without an adequate background you cannot reach them successfully.   Without enough research on those you are trying to reach and promote your product you cannot do your job the right way.  Second you must have a strategic plan in order to achieve and handle all your tasks.  Your plan must include a written action chart with room for change in your plan and timetables/deadlines in order to meet your requirements in a timely fashion.  Third you must gain control of public support whither it’s getting those to buy products or invest in stock, but overall you want thee public’s approval.  On the other hand if it is a non-profit organization you are going to want donations in the form of money or even material, but either way you want to have the public behind you because they are the ones that are going to make or break you.

What are some of the specialties or functions of PR?

           Public relations have many specialties whether it has to do with gaining press coverage or helping manage issues within their field of work.  Some specialties that I read about were promoting and selling, which entails providing pieces of work so others can view their work and possible gain business due to their liking.  Also Public relations handles community relations and by doing this they can gain the communities approval.  If the community gets involved and happen to enjoy what you are promoting it helps get the general public to hop on board.  Special events go hand in hand with community relations because once you have got the community  on your side it is Public relations now has to arrange tours, ribbon cutting ceremonies, and open housed for the public.   The last thing that jumped out to me about public relations specialties was lobbying which includes working with legislative aides to help get the government looking at them with a positive attitude.  Also this helps them gain power by having more government relations efforts.

1.)    While visiting Mashable.com I was interested in all the social media marketing advertisements and articles that they offered.  I found this interesting because all these relate to popular web browsing sights and even new things that can be debated about.  For example, Could Facebook replace your email inbox?  This is something that many would be interested in reading and even commenting on.  Mashable.com gives those insights to things that they might not have been aware of and some things could even affect them personally.  This social media marketing channel can be a source of information for some and even somewhere to go to just have fun reading about ongoing events that are occurring in today’s society.  Another thing that I enjoyed about this webpage is the setup because not only one thing is focused on, but everything is shown and you choose what you want to further read into.  Each article has a brief summary and then if you are persuaded to know more you will further read about the subject by clicking into it.  This page is something that I will now use when surfing the web because I enjoy reading about things that are currently going on in the world especially pertaining to media.

In the time that Ned Sublette came to visit Concordia he seemed to have caught everyone’s attention, but what caught my attention was the diverse style of music that he emerged together.   As he talked about his travels it was no surprise to me what he has achieved just by expressing where he has been and what he has seen.   Also, it is interesting that his career has to do with music, but does not limit himself to expanding his interest’s, including writing in his pastime.  He also made it clear that he does not expect to make a living off writing books, but it is something he does because he enjoys it.  I agree that with all his knowledge and travels he is doing others a favor by sharing his experiences.  As I took further interest in Ned’s adventures I also discovered that he is known for his photography and his photos in Cuba.  His achievements cannot be categorized with one specific career choice because he does it all, including founding a record company called Qbadisc, which releases Cuban music in the United States.  It is not limited to only one type of music, as well as Latin music, which is produced through this record company.  During his visit he also compared his co-produced radio show “Afropop worldwide” and how it differs from speaking live, whether it is in an interview or a talk show he takes part in.  He says that when he is live he has to be quick with what he says while at the same time making sure he is presentable because he is being watched.  Whereas on the radio he is not visible and cannot be seen so it is much more laid back.  I enjoyed Ned’s visit and feel like I’ve learned a lot from him sharing his experiences and achievements.

Debate the following proposition: Books are an obsolete medium

I feel that eventually books will become less and less useful as the age of the internet becomes larger.  Much like we see with movies, today we are watching them online instead of purchasing them.  I feel that there is a certain history of books and they should not disappear altogether, but it won’t hurt if fewer books are produced.  The ease of using your computer to access a book is just convenient and many would take this to their advantage.  Many college students are setting trends by using computers to download textbooks and a popular program called e-books. Also, people like their information consolidated, for example, more information means a bigger book and more space.  In today’s society people do not want to take up space for multiple textbooks, therefore, storing their information in a computer on files is more conservative and helps to consolidate.  Going back to how books are becoming more outdated, today’s technology is overcoming books.  Technology as we know it is going to change faster than we can handle and we will not always be able to adapt with the time, meaning that they will still have books being available to those who like this old age.  You can’t expect everyone to just adapt to using a computer to get your books because some do not have the experience or the fortune to do this.  It’s just something that comes and those who want to adapt will and those who don’t will not jump on this advantage.  Things come and go, but not everything is for everyone because different people like different things.  In my opinion, I believe that eventually books will become scarce, but not impossible to find. 

How do conglomerates affect print publishing? Are there positives and negatives associated with conglomerates?

Authors and photographers have rights to their intellectual property throughout their lives, and their family members have rights for seventy years after their death. The length of the copyright protection has grown over the years. This life-plus-70-years standard was set by the Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998. People who support this law use examples such as poor writers and their impoverished ancestors, but actually the people who benefits from this are more likely to be transnational publishing conglomerates. However, copyright is supposed to place time limits on those rights to make sure that outdated works may include new creative efforts, therefore, the extended copyright protection angers new creative actions, including poetry and song lyrics on the internet.  This includes many copyright issues with songs being released on the internet the same day a CD is released or sometimes even before if the songs leak and appear on a website.  People will then download the songs off of the internet and create their own CD for free, which is illegal. There are both positives and negatives associated with conglomerates and these are the arguments made amongst the groups who benefit from it and those who are harmed from it.  Others follow the notion that some copyright infringements serve a higher social purpose, such as education, and should be allowed.  For example, making single copies for personal use would be one of these “infringements.”  If a student makes a copy of a course packet, it is considered fair use and no copyright royalty is owed.  However, if the student were to ask someone at a copy shop to make the copies for them then there is a copyright violation.    

What are the main copyright issues for print media?

The main copyright issues that face print media are that cracking down on photocopying copyrighted documents.  This is affecting students greatly because it is prohibiting their learning experience.  This issue we face is crucial because it affects a great amount of people, particularly anyone who makes a photocopy of a picture, textbook, or a website.  These circumstances that we are put into leaves us little choice but to either pay the copyright fee or more likely make it your own by reading and putting it in your own words.  These rules have gotten stricter due to the internet becoming more popular; mainly speaking of electronic distribution of copyrighted material.  There are things that are accepted for students to do in order to avoid copyrighting and this can be helpful to those who take advantage of it.  This includes single copies for personal use, citing short passages from scholarly works, and making multiple copies for your peers.

What are the main trends in book publishing?

As many new trends arise in the book publishing field, the main trends include more and more books being published and more people purchasing them.  These books are being purchased by students, consumers, and businesses.  Another trend is that large publishing houses are consolidating due to the fact that smaller publishing houses are coming about, as well as people self publishing their own manuscripts.  These new smaller publishers reach less people than the larger book publishers.  The internet also plays a large role in book publishing with new electronic publishers including online sources.  Competition in this field have increased overtime because of technology rising.

5.)    The internet is run by long-distance carriers, and local connections to those nodes are handled by Internet Service Providers and local telephone companies.  The Internet Service Providers supply basic internet connections and can sometimes even provide content, for example, American Online. However, most content providers are independent and both Internet Service providers and content providers remain separate.  Also, non-profit organizations help run the Internet , such as MERIT network in Michigan.  The Internet is made-up of high-speed digital lines that are leased by the regional networks from long-distance telephone companies.  Locally, ISPs lease or own high-speed phone lines that connect local users to the Internet.  The assignment of addresses and domain names is an important issue.  ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers decides who gets the rights to domain names and charges an annual fee to the domain owners.  

6.)    After doing research on the privacy and security practices on the Internet, I am aware that there are many phishing scams and thieves who make fake e-mails or web addresses and try to obtain anything that can lead to access of my accounts or personal information.  Also, many scam e-mails contain viruses that can seriously damage your computer and make it easier for someone to hack into it.  In order to protect my safety, I will no longer open e-mail attachments from unknown correspondents, click on Web links sent to me in an e-mail, even if it seems like an organization or an institution I might trust, or respond to requests to verify the receipt of an e-mail to an unknown party.  It is always important to read user and privacy agreements and check for spyware when downloading, especially file-sharing software.  There has been an incident where I received an e-mail saying I won a prize and was randomly chosen from a name database that had my name because of the e-mail I used on a website.  I usually would not open or read e-mails that I do not recognize, however, the e-mail was very believable because it said it was from a car dealership and was the same kind of car that I own.  I thought twice and decided to look up on Google if this prize was a scam or not.  It turned out that this e-mail has been being sent out for a while and it was a scam that asked for your name and some information and there was no prize and would try to hack into your computer after responding to the e-mail.  Now, if it is not an e-mail from a friend or website that I have registered for and recognize, I do not open the e-mail and instantly remove it from my inbox.  There is also a website that looks almost exactly like Chase Bank’s if you do not directly type it into the search engine and search for it and look through choices instead.  It is very important to keep your e-mail private because even by going into a chatroom, someone can view your e-mail and send you spyware or viruses.  I find it very important to practice these safety tips to avoid any issues with hacking, scams, or viruses.

1.)    The major types of content on the web include electronic publishing, which are online versions of conventional print publications, entertainment, which grew from the file sharing craze such as Napster and iTunes, online games,  which is also entertainment but because of its intense interacting it is placed in its own category, portals, which are the web pages that users launch when they first log into the Web, search engines, such as the most popular, Google, communities, such as social networking like Facebook and MySpace, blogs, which are a cross between a personal web page or diary, and electronic commerce, such as businesses that make sales directly to consumers.

2.)    A good Web page would cause people to stay on the web page for a longer amount of time or to even return back.  One way to have a good Web page would be to use eye-catching colors and attractive layouts from magazine pages.  Also, people searching the web prefer short content items, about a screen full.  This way the web surfer does not get overwhelmed or confused easily and leaves the site quickly.  A good web page can be achieved with a good design, which should contain lots of empty dark, white, or black space, including small print, flash animations, and large graphic design spaces.  The Web pages should give all the pages in a site a consistent look and feel, providing navigation aids and minimizing download times.  If there are slow-loading animations, even an artistic page would be considered a bad design.  Lots of text and buttons is not something people remain interested in or attract towards.

3.)    Software manufacturers develop applications for personal computers.  Personal computer operating system software is dominated by Microsoft through Windows and through many application categories, such as Microsoft Word for word processing and Internet Explorer for Web browsers.  Software is increasingly being bought and downloaded over the internet.  Hardware includes makers of computers, which are further subdivided into super computers, mainframes, mini computers, workstations, and personal computers, computer storage devices, such as disk drives, and their peripherals, such as printers and modems.  In the personal computer market, Dell and Hewlett-Packard are the leaders.  Apple and IBM first started the trend of personal computers, however, they are now minor players.

4.)    Internet service providers connect users to the Internet and provide e-mail accounts.  The industry leaders include AT&T, Comcast, and AOL, which together account for nearly half of all US internet subscriptions.  ISP’s have high-speed connections to the internet from telecommunications carriers, local phone companies, or are connected with companies that provide their own network connections. There are currently over 300 ISPs in the US.  Content providers are those who create web pages and are made by in-house design departments.  For example, Amazon, has in-house staffs along with thousands of large and small companies that are not directly related to the media business.  This includes traditional graphic design, advertising, and public relations firms that have entered the market.  Also, services create raw information that others shape into information services. Therefore, anyone who has ever created a homepage is considered a content provider.

3.)One Show

The One Show website shows all of advertisements’ best work that was awarded by them and goes as far back as the 1991 showcase.  This website was particularly interesting to me because of all the creative ads that are posted and that won throughout the years.  It is a part of the Organization called The One Club, which offers several programs throughout the year, including a college competition to win an award for an advertisement.  Also, included on the website is a section of Press releases concerning the One Show of all the news about the Organization.  An article posted yesterday titled, “The One Club President to speak at 17^th annual China International Advertising Festival”, speaks about the Annual China International Advertising Festival (CIAF) being held on Friday, October 22nd in Nanchang.  The One Club’s president, Kevin Swanepoel, will join with a group of executives and “speak to attendees about the importance of creating engaging content no matter what media is used and the need to focus on storytelling and engaging consumers in a conversation” (http://www.oneclub.org/oc/press/?id=124).  The article states more about the event and the speakers who will be attending.  Swanepoel said, "I'm thrilled to return to the China International Advertising Festival. The One Club is deeply committed to supporting the work of our friends in China and we're gratified to see it's rise into a major player in the international advertising world."

2.)Media Bistro

Media Bistro is a website that lists many articles from different websites and newspapers, such as the Wall Street Journal, Ad Age, NY Observer, and many more concerning the media.  Also, it offers courses and helps people who are looking for jobs by having job listings regarding the media.  The website makes it very convenient and quick for people who are interested in reading about the media, without having to search through other topics or articles.  On the first page of the website there is a list of all recent articles and news about the media.  For example, one article titled, “Exclusive: NBC Local Media Sets 'Nonstop' Launch Dates” is on the first page that the website directs you to once you type it into the search engine.  The article is from yesterday afternoon, however, there are even more recent articles from the same morning posted on the website.  This particular article is about how NBC Local Media is going to have nonstop multicast channels, adding the 24/7 channels to Philadelphia on October 25^th and Washington DC on October 27^th.  It states, “Each channel will feature around eight hours of local programming, as well as franchise programs such as Talk Stoop and lifestyle shows such as First Look and Open House from NBC's LX production wing. The channels are expected to grow their local output over time” (http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/458817-Exclusive_NBC_Local_Media_Sets_Nonstop_Launch_Dates.php?rssid=20068).  This is a useful and helpful article with information that someone might want to know or be interested in.  This is one of the many valuable and attention-grabbing articles on the website regarding the media.

1.)Advertising Age:

The website, Advertising Age, focuses on creative advertisements and campaigns for well-known companies, such as HP, Microsoft, Starbucks, Adidas, Honda, and much more.  Advertisements are successful if they are able to grab the consumers’ attention and attract them to the product or company that is being promoted.  The website itself attracts people by showing a list of drawings, photographs, and much more of popular advertisements and campaigns made by different agencies that have their own original thoughts and ideas.  One specific ad that automatically caught my attention was Microsoft.  The title was, “Microsoft: Always Beautiful”, which I thought was a great brief and insightful way to attract someone to look further into what the ad was about.  It is promoting the new features of Microsoft’s IE9 Beta.  The picture is simple with gray-toned colors of different shapes.  The agency is called Big Spaceship, and you can see a connection with the agency and the picture that was created.  It states that Always Beautiful is “an art-driven interactive experience that allows users to create one-of-a-kind visual pieces out of an archive of web-inspired imagery, set to a soundtrack from recording artist Ming” (http://creativity-online.com/work/microsoft-always-beautiful/21600).  This is one of many eye-catching ads on the website to help promote agencies whose goal is to develop creative ads and campaigns for companies.

What are the good things that advertising does for you and for society?

I think that advertising is great because what better way than getting a message or product across then to make it funny or adventurous.  Advertisers think of ways to get their point across by making their commercial or ad jump out at you so you will keep watching it.  They do not want to make you fall asleep while trying to convey their message.  First off for me I enjoy watching advertisements that are creative and mostly funny in my opinion.  Everyone likes a good laugh and what better way to get people on board then to make them laugh.  If you have a dull advertisement people will think that your product is dull as well.  I believe that others also like to watch how advertisers create their ads to get people to listen and enjoy watching them as long as they do not put you to sleep.  Ads can also be informative and let you know something you may not have previously known.  For the most part I think that are good for me and the rest of society because they are no harming anyone in any matter.  Some commercials you see are about harmful stuff, for example cigarettes.  This can help people significantly because when they see what they actually due to you people may be convinced to stop.  Most of those commercials show the horrible things that happen and are very graphic.  This may be disgusting to watch, but then again it is the truth and that is what advertisers are trying to get across in that specific ad.  So for the most part advertising is good for society and is informative, whether it is a product they are coming out with or a message that they want you to listen to advertising is helpful.

What target markets do you belong to, and how do advertisers reach each of your aspects?

I think that I personally belong to several different target markets, but if I had to pick one I would say the technological market suits me best.  I chose this market because I am very advanced with new technology that comes out since I do not like letting my self fall behind the times.  In today’s society it is extremely hard to keep up with all the new technological advances that are coming out, but I try my best.  Another target market that I fall into can be media and culture because I always like to know w hat is going on, whether it have to do with athletes or famous people.  I try to keep on top of everyday things that change not just significant changes that happen every so often. I believe that advertisers just recently started targeting college students for certain markets because they see that we are trend setters and pass along things quickly.  That is what they want to get their message across quickly and efficiently.  Advertisers know that by targeting students their message will get across and spread vastly throughout their college campuses.  The target markets are chosen very carefully because obviously you are not going to target a 75 year old woman for professional football that is not good advertising.   Advertisers carefully choose target markets and it takes a lot of research to help target a specific group for their message or new product.  I also think that most peoples are not subsidized to one specific market and many are targeted by multiple markets because different things interest different people.

If the conventional network TV model is in fact dying, what do you think should replace it?

If the conventional TV model is dying, I feel as they are to blame themselves because of the same old stuff being played.  The TV networks know that as the years go on change is coming and they have to change with the age.  No one wants t see the same reruns or the same people over and over.  It is something people just do not want and television networks are responsible to satisfy their customers.  The television age is slowly declining until a hit series that will spark the interest of users once again.  A great example is the HBO series Sopranos because before this hit series was out in the early 2000’s TV was slowly declining.  This attracted those from different backgrounds not just conventional TV network viewers.  I think if conventional TV should happen to die we now have on demand which should overthrow the old system.  This new technology allows us to watch what we want when we want which is what everyone wants.  The new technology should be something similar to the old model just with a better spin off so those who want more and want something specific can have that.  Something that came out and failed was interactive TV.  The new technology that we have today seems to be doing the job and has no complaints because we watch what we want and also have the option to leave regular programming on.  The conventional TV model is not completely dying, but I feel as if it is on its way out.

Fox Channels Blocked in Dish Network Dispute

In my article titled “Fox Channels Blocked in Dish Network Dispute” the two duels over a new contract.  As a consequence of the two disagreeing Dish network customers woke up Friday October 1^st only to find that FX, National Geographic Channel and Fox’s regional sports networks had disappeared.  The two companies say that neither one are the cause for the channels disappearing and blaming on another for the disagreement.   The customers are estimated at 14 million for Dish and just think of how they feel with the loss of popular channels.  If Dish network does not come to peace soon with Fox it can be a major fault for their company because many popular channels will be removed.  This will include all channels that fox owns as well as various sports channels.    Fox has 19 regional sports channels which many will be unsatisfied if removed, but Dish agreed to give customers the NFL network and others to compensate for their loss.  The Dish network claims that Fox wanted an amount that was unreasonable and not to their liking.  The two are going to keep disputing until they come to a reasonable agreement where both parties will benefit.  As of now the two have websites set up helping support their respected companies.  The television business can be tough when negotiating new TV contracts and here is a great example of why it is complicated to make everyone happy in the business world.  Both parties in my opinion will come to a common ground where they can both be satisfied as well as the customers of the Dish network. 

http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/01/fox-sports-channels-blocked-in-dish-network-dispute/#more-45347

3.)  As I learn more about the history of music, I clearly see the changes and
enhancements throughout the years.  It started out with only one general form of
music and has evolved into numerous amounts of styles and genres.  The music
industry is constantly finding new ways to keep the audience interested and
promote new artists and forms of music.  They are always looking for new artists
that the audience will fall in love with. As a business, music is something that
people will always enjoy and be willing to spend money on if it is something
that interests them.  I feel the popularity of different styles of music will
continue to emerge and generate sales in music stores, iTunes, and more.  From
looking at the history of music we can see how there are always new styles,
artists, and ideas being introduced to the world.  Music is not a phase that
people will move on from in the future.  There are styles for all ages and
preferences, which makes music an ongoing business.  Many artists today use
music to tell stories of their lives’ or something that interests them.  It is
their way to get heard by the public, and people enjoy listening and relating to
their different stories.  Many artists also use their life experiences to create
music from the heart, which is something the audience enjoys to listen to.  Many
artists also incorporate their beliefs and politics into their music as well. 
They will express how they feel on a certain issue or event going on in politics
and the world today or something that has occurred in the past that has
influenced their life.  I feel music is a great way for people to come together
and relate to songs’ meanings and thoughts throughout the world.

2.)    Throughout the years technology has continued to advance trying to help
make our lives easier and faster.  This included playing and recording music on
CD drives built into computers and also allowed to send and receive music
quickly and easily over the Internet.  One of the first popular programs was
called Napster, created by Shawn Fanning.  This program let people send and
receive songs as music files using the Internet.  This program, along with
others, were allowing this exchange to be done for free, which caused copyright
violations and companies urged programs like Napster to be shut down.  Artists
felt this was a copyright issue because instead of going out and buying their
album, people could download to songs for free and put them on a CD themselves. 
However, some artists began to look at the Internet as a way to reach their fans
on popular social networks, such as MySpace.  The record industry then slowly
began to allow people to download music from the Internet for a charge.  One
very popular download service today is iTunes Music Store.  Almost all labels
can be found and downloaded from iTunes for a certain price per song.  However,
there is now an argument between Apple and labels on how much to charge per
download.  However, many labels agreed to only because copyright on songs was
protected and could only be copied onto a limited number of computers and CD’s. 
However, it is still easy to find programs to download music for free,
therefore, the copyright issues will never completely be solved with all the
loopholes on the Internet today.

1.)    Rock music’s earliest songs originated from blues, for example, Big Mama
Thornton’s “Hound Dog”, that Elvis covered in later years.  With the racial
issues in the past, black stations and race records weren’t popular from the
beginning.  Only until white audiences started to listen to R&B singers and
black stations is when it finally began to market this kind of music.  R&B and
soul music became very popular and was the majority of what audiences listened
to.  This gave a rise to Motown and the Temptations, which was a large part of
the 1960s.  However, because of the racial issues, the only time black music was
heard was when a white artist covered it, which is when an artist performed
others’ songs.  When this became popular, radio stations and recording labels
started to create new genres and formats that included rhythm and blues, and
rock and roll.  So regardless of the racial differences, “black” stations became
known for their unique and rhythm-filled style of music, even though white
artists were covering the songs.  The radio became a marketing and promotional
device to introduce new music and help sell records.  By the early1960s,
audiences were listening to same mix of rock and roll, pop, and R&B.  However,
by the mid 1960s some artists and groups began to find the format of the songs
constraining, only allowing a limit of 45 rpm.  The Beatles, with help from
their producer, created arrangements with segments and instruments.  Others
began to do the same, creating longer songs, and even including electric
guitars, like Bob Dylan did for his rock album Highway 61 Revised (1965).  After
this exploration, radio stations separated this kind of music into different
rock formats, such as rock oldies, heavy metal, disco, and more.  Between the
1970’s and the 1990’s more and more sub genres were being introduced, such as
glam rock, reggae, techno, hip hop, punk, and many more that are very popular
today.

Do you think new regulation would be justified to break up large radio groups and make radio a more local medium again? Please justify you examples from radio history?

I believe that new regulation can break up large radio stations and force them to change their ways in which that are used to.  For example the FCC controls what is to be talked about and in what manner.  There is a very popular example of the radio talk show Howard stern and how he left the radio because of how he was being negatively affected.  A new regulation consists of up to a $325,000 fine per incident of each show.  Howard stern went to satellite radio instead because he disagreed upon how he should run his show.  A big question comes about in everyone’s mind and it talk about the diversity out there.  Is there enough?  I believe so, but some don’t.  There are a number of different ways to access different radio station or radio talk shows.  You can either use the internet, satellite, or even the old fashioned radio.  Another big issue is freedom of speech and it goes back to the FCC and their regulation of the radio.   Speech that is inappropriate or the use of language that others may find offensive is restricted now whereas it never used to be.  I believe that this is making the radio more common.  As I mentioned before people are asking is there enough diversity out there some say yes others say no.  I could now understand those who say no because of these new regulations.  They are making everything the same in one way or another.  Radio owners are not entirely free to do what they want with their own station.  There are now a set of rules and regulation everyone has to abide by.

How does the history of radio help us understand internet radio, podcasting, and other audio media are going to develop as commercial forms? As political forms? As artistic forms?

The history of radio helps us understand how all audio media are transforming and becoming more commercial whereas in the past it was the opposite. For example talk radio has evolved significantly from broadcasting multiple things: news, sports, weather.  This was never the case in the past because you would have a radio station specifically for one of those; you would not have a radio station with everything together.  When talking about music and what people like to hear now days the research is the most important factor because if people do not like what is on the radio they will not be listening to what you are playing.  Radio stations had to become more commercial in order to be competitive.  As far as artistic goes in today’s society we radio station that talk about politics all day and these radio stations are growing because of people’s interest in the political matters.  People do like to know what is going on and if we cant provide that in a way that make sit convenient for people to listen we will lose that segment of audience.  When we think about the history of everything we see how far we have come in technology to now be able to access a radio from your desktop or even a cell phone.  In the artistic sense everyone has their own opinion of what is artistic and what is not. So many will say that music is artistic and has been ever since it was created, but then again people can say talk radio has an artistic sense too.  As far as the history of audio media I feel like it is going to keep expanding and growing into a powerhouse whether it’s talk radio, internet radio, or podcasting. 

Why do the authors say that the web is dead? Summarize how the authors characterize the following three media companies-Facebook, Google, and Apple, and what are the key issues facing new media today?

The authors explain that the web is dead because apps are taking over the technological world. For example, instead of going to Google and looking up a specific company or entertainment site there are now simple apps that take you directly to where you want to be. “Blame human nature. As much as we intellectually appreciate openness, at the end of the day we favor the easiest path”. Like the author said, we are interested in doing things easier and faster. New things are always coming out so now-a-day’s no one is getting used to one thing, they are just trying to adapt and keep up with what’s going to come out next. The authors mention three of the biggest companies out right now: Facebook, Apple, and Google. These three companies are considered the high powers of the internet because Google controls traffic and sales. Apple controls everything because whether it is the iPad or the iPhone, everything is accessible from their products. Facebook stated off slowly, but was surely bound for success. At first you just needed an e-mail address from a university and now it grew into an empire where you can use any email address to sign up. Another way the author talks about Facebook expanding was that now people put up all types of news and information on the site. This makes everything easier so you don’t have to exit Facebook to access something even if it is not directly related. Certain issues that surround new media today are that most powers that come about are concerned about making money and as the author mentioned, “Hard to make a buck”. These new powers are about money instead of how they are being heard. In a business view they are saying the web hasn’t worked at times, therefore, they have to find a better way to get what they want and when they want it.

How does media have an affect on our careers?

 Media affects corporations and has a significant impact on people’s careers. Many years ago people were reached by mass communication where now-a-days it is not so much a mass communication world. People are more occupied in digital ways of learning instead of the newspaper and television. New advances like watching a biography when you want and how you want. Many people don’t want to wait until the program is aired. It is more about the demand of when you want it, not when it is convenient for a network to air it. There are different ways to look up sport statistics, entertainment, and even shop all over the internet. On the career side, since mass media is constantly changing it is hard to get a job in this specific market. A good thing is that if you have a brilliant media idea it can be worth a lot of money. For example, Facebook shortly blew up into a billion dollar corporation because it was a brilliant idea and his plan was something that everyone wanted and was looking for. The new media business world is like anything else because it can work for you or against you. There are many opportunities in this field that you just have to put time into what you are doing and you have to know what you want. In this economic crisis it makes jobs even more competitive and challenging for those seeking opportunities in this market. New media is an everlasting market that will change from time to time and everyday there will be new advances that we will have to settle in with.

How does media affect the society?

Media is changing the world, whether we like it or not, we have to be prepared to adapt with this new age of technology. For example, many years ago if you wanted to go on the internet or do anything else we would have to be home on a desktop computer. In today’s society everything is done on your cell phone, including the internet and a majority of things that many years ago could not be done with a handheld device. Media is changing society rapidly because every college student has, at one time or another used an iPod, Facebook, or a new technological invention. Big media have become less and less dominant because of the internet and homemade videos that people post rather than copyrighted ones from big companies. Technology is not only changing individuals’ lives, but also major corporations. For example, a few years back and still today during this hard economic time, new media has helped make for a better business world because instead of going to get a newspaper, it is available online, which many people take advantage of. Also, companies like Apple, iTunes, Google, and TiVo have emerged because of this new age of media coming about that made it easier and more convenient to use. Media technologies and advances in technology are changing society as we know it because it is creating a new life for us. This includes social issues, new jobs, and new entertainment.