Day 1 - What we set out to explore...

Introduction: Week 1
I started out this class introducing the concept of "Cold vs. Hot Mediums", a theory proposed by Marshall McLuhan (Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_McLuhan) that in researching, they got it completely wrong!!!  As I indicated and will continue to alude to in this class, 'cold' mediums are those mass media outlets that offer for little, if any, potential for dialogue or discourse.  Meanwhile, 'hot' mediums are those items that take into consideration not only the argument being made (and, while we're on the subject, not all arguments are 'bad'), but allow for the viewer, the reader, the consumer in general, to offer their input or - for that matter, formulate a direction based on the content provided.  We alluded to television, print, radio and even the Internet as a possible 'cold' media, while holding email, text messaging, and social networks as 'hot' mediums and ideal for verbal intercourse to ensue.

An additional item for consideration in developing your 'final project' requires you to consider your audience prior to you channel of communication.  Click Here for an image that may further your thoughts regarding Mass Communication Methods and our goal of developing more 'interactivity'.
  Feel free to comment... (please consider that as part of your grade for this class, dialogue through this blog will be encouraged).

All of you filled out your 'queries' regarding Hardware and Software experience.  In reading these, I am aware of a more focused need and potential direction regarding our 'goal' in this class of developing an interface design or GUI (graphic user interface), based on your experience and access to various forms of software and hardware items.  Expect a strong consideration of your 'access' potential when developing your final project for this class (ie. video equipment, software, and content development).

We viewed the .swf (Flash file) that we are beginning the process of building towards; an interactive multimedia presentation, and we briefly discussed the potentials of content - in which you printed 'storyboards' for developing your ideas.  Expect to diagram a video (next class) for the following items:

• ":trt" (total running time)
• "transitions"
• sound, music, text, and other effects (which may include transitions) that you should consider as content for your work.

Additionally, I offered a basic introduction to HTML (coding) that your support page should provide enough for content and direction.  I apologize that we did not go further in developing this understanding, but expect it to be a part of our review on Wednesday.  Reference your handout as well as links that were provided (Otherwise, click here for an 'updated' version online)

To what we did not discuss, I am going to offer the following as inspiration of your content development for your final project:

• First consideration, "Why are you here?" (Thanks for your sharing of goals for this class).  For many of you it seems to be for reasons of business, for a few, for personal reasons. . .
• My input - "What are you passionate about?"  This is your purpose for 'study' and the inspiration that will lead you to discover what you are 'good at' which will lead to discovering your career.
• Should you consider making this a 'documentary' work (which is what I initially wanted to 'require' from you for this class), and then I considered "should I open this up to exploring 'why do you currently do what you do'?"
• You might consider documenting something or someone that 'inspires' you (ie 'a mentor', or an artist)
• Do you have a project you are currently working on that you'd like to share in the process of discovery?
• Is it to be a portfolio of your current work?  I have several 'websites' that support such efforts.
• How about creating a 'Family Album'?  Or, what about a recent 'vacation' that you took?

Quote: For ALL of your prior knowledge, experience and understanding, without application eventually goes away.  You might as well document it!

Content vs. Context - The notion that we are more drawn to visual distractions (context) over the true makeup (content) of items we encounter.  Therefore, "Don't judge a book by its cover" may serve to a point, but it is our responsibility as content developers to 'balance' the equation of our visual senses through the opportunity of dialogue.  Consider posing a question, a statement, an 'argument' that requires audience participation*.

Did anyone listen to the Ayn Rand audio book?  I think Chapters 1 and 2 are viable for this development.  In this one hour (part 1) listen, you will begin to learn the difference between 'theme' and 'plot'.  Consider that we are in a multimedia class (the theme), meanwhile - what you make of this class, how you formulate a direction, becomes the 'plot'.  Let's try and make the most of it.