If we WERE supposed to post a meganiche...

I'm thinking a site dedicated to people posting pictures of amish lifestyle. It sounds weird, but to be completely honest, every thing I thought of before this idea, I checked on google and they all already exist. So this was the first meganiche idea that doesn't already exist. Of lots of ideas.

There are a lot of meganiche sites out there.

MegaNiche

I forgot about the MegaNiche, too!

I think an interesting topic would be about minimizing for new creation such as putting mp3 and cell phone together. I think it would be interesting to find out what other people wish could funiction as one. Maybe a hat with a comb inside that can fix your hair, so no more hat hair or using the hat to hide your messy hair.

Oops

Oops, we post our MegaNiche! here?

Well, for my MegaNiche!(tm) I would propose having a forum where people like to discuss every little detail and change in the Fender Stratocaster guitar. Particularly useful for people who are creating replicas (because of the absurd prices for vintage guitars, and "authentic" Fender "replicas") or who are looking into buying vintage guitars and need to know every single detail (and actually care about, and are interested in discussing) these varations, changes, measurements, etc. All of this would be added to an archive. As far as I know, lots of information is spread out, and lots of forums are out there, but nothing to the extent of what I propose. Or have exactly what I'm looking for. Preferably this would be information up to about 1980 or so. That would keep out the flood of info on the the 3000 or whatever useless variations of the Fender Strat.

6 words

end of beginning.
beginning of end.

MY IDEA FOR THE NEXT BIG MEGA NITCH

My idea for a nitch is sort of like e-cards or email postcards you send to people from a Web site. But these are not cordial greetings. These are “Fuck You Postcards.” Animated messages or e-postcards you send to people when you’re pissed at them. There would be a variety of images you could pick from with pre-written messages you could add. There is always the option of writing your own message.
The cards could be sent to emails or posted on the comment section on a MySpace page or a blog.
It could be for fun, sarcasm or just plain nastiness.

6 words

Multiple Use Machine
Unique but weird

Six Word Story

Art and technology.
Beauty and function.

meganiche

Meganiche to me is like another very popular web site that people would normally go or access with. They are a little different than other web because they are focusing on housing and business also. Competition is there for Meganiche because there are many popular sites who also look very similar. Based on the article, I have a thought that Do we really use it? because there are already web site existed now like HowardForums and Gaia,CollarMe, LifeTips, and SwapperNet and even more. People have their own reliable web site to go to everyday, so how many people would trust the new meganiche and use it

6 words

BIG becomes small.
robots take over.

Amazing Paperboy Delivers.

Human interaction changing the world's way.

6 wors about New Media

Art exploring Technology.
Art advancng Humans.

6 Words

Revise, Revolt
Face Lift
The Absentminded

Meganiche?

It's funny reading about these meganiche sites like YTMND.com when you have already heard about them. It makes me think, "Wait... not everyone knows about 'You're the man now, dog?'" But I guess the article hits it right on when the author talks about how most of these types of sites are spread by word of mouth. I heard about it a couple years ago when my friend sent me a link online, but I never really realized thats basically the only way for others to hear about it.

The article reminded me of the Web 2.0 reading that we did, and I think that almost all of the sites discussed in that article would count is meganiche... Digg.com, ebaumsworld, Youtube. I was wondering though, when does a site move on from meganiche to something else... like Google? Or does it just become a Super-Meganiche?

The Perfect Thing

The iPod is a phenomenon.

Everywhere I go on campus, by the white headphones alone, that's an indication of it's own that the iPod has taken hold of that person's life.

Nowadays, I see many other companies trying to upgrade their mp3 devices to try and compete with the massive sales that Apple has accumulated through the iPod. However, I really don't think that any company really stands a chance.

Personally, I didn't get an iPod or any kind of mp3 player till several years after the giant market boom. Though, when I finally decided to upgrade myself from cd players, the iPod just seemed like the best choice. I had borrowed my friend's iPod for my Japan trip a few years ago, and it was so easy to use. I always thought it was going to be a hassle to learn how to use it and to upload songs, but I think anyone can pick it up and learn how to use it in mere seconds.

Even after getting my iPod, I kept my mind open to other companies out there, but nothing seemed to match up. Companies that are trying to duplicate the qualities of the iPod just don't impress me. If you're gonna be a duplication, then might as well get the original.

The iPod is a going-strong revolution. Every year, there's a new model or upgrades hitting the market. iPod are almost like a drug and for people who are active users of it, get into the craze with what's new on the iPod market. And just like cars, cell phones and clothing, accessories for the iPod are available for personal customization. They may run at sometimes ridiculous prices, but that doesn't stop iPod consumers from purchasing them.

I've heard talk about that mp3 player by Bill Gates called Zune. It's up there in advertisement with the iPod and I've seen it here and there amongest the masses of iPod. In the ungoing rivalry between Windows and Apple, I find it rather amusing that whatever either one of them come out with, the other has to find a way to compete in that category. Is it only going to be a matter of time before Apple comes out with a gaming console to compete against the XBOX? Ahaha~ That would be something!3

Art or Commerical Porducts??

The article “Psst! Hey, Buddy” about soundbombs is talking about this sound jar that would make people be aware of their surroundings. I think this is a very cool artwork that is has a message and purpose from the artist and carried out its purpose in an interesting way, but the more even important thing is that it sells and a lot of people are lining up to buy it. I guess my question is what makes an artwork successful? And when does an artwork go from art to a commercial-liked product?

I think the artist’s intention is very important on keeping the piece art. The designer of soundbombs, Felix Beck, “won’t sell to just anyone.” By not mass producing soundbomb, I think Beck has kept his work unique and different from a commercial product even though it could turn into on.

Meganiche

Meganiche poses one side of the internet accessability coin: small sites can gain thousands of viewers by accessing one small subset of specific interests. This article interests me because my interests lie in how un-accessible a lot of the information is on the internet because there is too much information. I think that a great deal of these sites are passed by word of mouth - meaning there is a failure of communication of information on the internet. Either that or I'm not privy to the passing of information through the internet.

Full Tilt Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ahh the end of the semester. The time when you realise "oh, @#4$! there's only a few days left." The time when all your classes are wringing you dry to be "more creative." Teachers defend giving you crummy grades on things they said "looked great!" before turning it in with "well there's still so many points left in the class! It's not THAT big of a deal!" The time you feel MOST lazy. The time you want to bang your head into the wall and just go to sleep all day long. But then you work nearly full time, on top of going to school full time. Your garbage service sucks ass and won't answer their telephones, or respond to your messages. They don't pick up your garbage. You tear your garage apart to make "art" for a stupid class you don't want to take but it's GE and required! Missing a field trip because work held you back a little longer. Yup. That about sums up the "ends of semesters" in general for me.

Maybe an article titled "FULL TILT FUN!!" will cheer me up. Ooh pinball! I used to be into pinball quite a bit; actually I have an old 1960's pinball machine (Gottlieb "SWING ALONG") sitting out in my garage that I'm pretty sure I'm destined to never get around to, but it is SO DAMN COOL looking. And it runs on dimes. Gotta love that 60's artwork; very classy! This Marvel machine looks like a pretty cool device; much more complex and "arcade like" it seems than most "home junk" pinball machines they made in the days of old. Doesn't look like it's all that big though; I saw something that looked somewhat similar at Best Buy, and I think I could've picked it up and hucked it across the room. By the way, did anyone else cry at the end of the movie Tommy? If not for the ending, anyone else cry because the entire movie was a real steamer?

Anyway, I'm not into alcohol or wine at all, but I've had roomates that would kill for the "WinePod." In fact, I wouldn't be too entirely surprised if at least one of them would buy this thing. Someone who can finish off one and a half bottles of wine a day needs this. I suppose I'd be more inclined to make some tasty fruity drinks with this contraption rather than use it for its intended purpose..but that's half the fun right? Like putting that 1/4" guitar cable into a pencil sharpener..

I don't really understand the details of the FinePix S6000fd..so I decided to look it up...and it doesn't seem all that fascinating. Looks like it just recognizes faces (even on TV!) and adjusts the lighting, etc. from there. Meh.

The antibacterial Nalgene bladder and heated drinking tube in the backpack idea sounds pretty cool. Unfortunately I don't hike or climb mountains. I probably would if I had that kind of time/money. Hmm. Ever tried to break a Nalgene bottle?

Ooh, now the SlimDevices Wi-Fi/Ethernet music player looks pretty boss. I would probably use that if I had that kind of scratch, or even a decent stereo. That'd be much easier than fumbling with cables, different iPods, records, CDs, or (yuck) cassettes. But I think I'd rather spend the money on a nice amplifier and a new turntable.

The Harmony 1000 unit also looks like something I'd use if I owned my own home. It'd be cool to control something that's somewhat obnoxious to control (say a row of arcade games..turn only one on instead of makin' that power meter in your backyard spin till it flies off the spindle) individually. But closing shades? Turning off appliances? That's just damn laziness.

These tiny tiny gizmos that do a bazillion things like these mp3 players I just don't understand. I find it fascinating that the technology can fit..but good lord, what use is it if you need a magnifying glass to see it?

YES! Rice cookers! I could use one. Just the other day I tried to make rice but ended up being nasty. These are pretty pricey though for the amount of times I'd actually cook rice...but judging from these reviews these aren't even that great. Huh.

Telescopes are pretty nifty. You can use them to star-gaze, or to look at that sinister looking kid with the other telescope. Seriously though, these things are pretty cool, but not something I could really use that often. Plus, if it's cloudy or smoggy, it might be kinda hard to see. Also I have a lot of trees in my area...guess I could "stand with you on a mountain" and use one of these.

Overall, after reviewing the reviews, I'd say that the SlimDevices Wi-Fi/Ethernet music player would be my choice of product to buy if I had to (and had the money!). What did you all think? Best wishes on your way to the end of the semester!

Humble Beginnings

The article entitled "The Perfect Thing" about the inception and creation of the iPod
My favorite part of the article was the reaction of Bill Gates to the iPod. I could just see the super genius picking up the device and furiously pushing the buttons. In my recollection of this event (keep in mind I was not there) he also sniffed the iPod and licked it, like a dog investigating a new toy.
"'It looks like a great product,' he said.
Then he paused a second. Something didn't compute.
'It's only for Macintosh?' he asked."
I think it was then Bill Gates lost his mind. He became so set in out-doing Apple that recently Microsoft released their own MP3 player, Zune.
Ipod holds something like 70% of the MP3 player market. Why would Microsoft put themselves in that position? Shouldn't they just stick to making Xbox's and computers? Which as a personal note I would like to add that the Xbox could stand to be improved. I've heard that even the new 360's are incredibly noisy.
I think Gates should stick to the computer stuff and leave the music to Apple

Digital Utopian....

everything would have it's up and down side, good and bad, even for nowaday's internet, digital etc culture, but does this mean we have to stop moving forward? It's be a great change for human societies in the past decade; population gone up in a great deal, we need more communcation and education to maintain a good and order world. The easier and more common people able to exchange information and ideas, the better and faster for us to get to know what's happening around us and harder for lies and bad things being hidden from the people. of coz there are down sides like fake information and information overload, but at the same time there will be rules and ways to improve how those information being filter and evaluate. everything need to work together to make this thing works, i believe we need to work around it in a positive manner since this is a non stoppable movement, but we can direct it to the right direction.

David Cheung

Web 2.0... really?

I was almost surprised when I started reading this article and found out that many of the sites considered to be part of "Web 2.0" are places that I have been regularly visiting or heard about for a long time. Youtube, Wikipedia, Digg, and all the social sites like Myspace and Facebook seem like a normal part of internet that naturally evolved over time; whereas the articles made it sound like these sites were an amazing entrepreneur feat of success that are on the bleeding edge of the internet.

Maybe it is just because I have never been one of those people that "browse" the internet; I usually have a set list of places I go to regularly... so I am not really exposed to the junk of the internet. I am also an avid gamer, which is a community based society as well, so forums and user-based websites are commonplace.

Anyone else feel the same way?

Web 2.0

After I read many of the story and news about Web 2.0, I believe this software is very powerful. This is like something must have! especially, I do most of the things everyday in my life on blogging, chatting, searching information, Bittorrent,Gmail, Google map or ebay... This web 2.0 can help many individuals satisfy their needs. I can see alot of good things about this Web 2.0. It is just like a new revolution for net users. this software is a good start to build up a community or network or business for people, but also danger that you might be the person to be harmed.

Web 2.0's influence! Good? Bad?

I’m more interesting in how this web 2.0 change communication and our lives. Since the beginning of web 2.0, the blooming of online community and blogs, Internet has become personal. It is no longer about the things going on out there in the world, but what has happened to me. Information is now being more personal with everyone’s opinions about everything. Don’t get me wrong about this being a bad thing! But now that the details about people’s personal lives and deep secrets and private beliefs are out in the open online, how are people’s lives been affected? Have become a group interesting in private lives or are we so open that we can share anything?

Well, I hope this is overall a positive thing, for everyone can have a voice and reach out to people they might have never been able to.

Web 2.0

I am a huge consumer of Web 2.0.

I blog, I MySpace, I surf the net and engage in discussions among peers, strangers and people from all around the globe, about the issues that weave in and out of this world.

We are, indeed, finding new ways to change this world. Before the internet, one had to use the phone, meet in person or send a letter via snail mail to get an important opinion across to another person. Now we have lightning speed access to each other through e-mail, instant messenger, blogging and many other methods, to choose from.

Perhaps one of the main disadvantages to expressing ourselves on the web is that if we aren't careful, it can be seen by the wrong people. People you'd rather not deal with that'll belittle what you have said or shown. We live under the Freedom of Speech, but sometimes, we'd really like people to just shut their mouths and let us have a moment to ourselves to relief. However, since everyone has their own values, opinions, etc, we might find the internet as more of a nuisance than it really should be.

Problems with Web 2.0

I'm all for the democracy of "Web 2.0" - I want that to be clear.

But, in the participation of the millions (even billions) of the people posting and contributing to community sites, one of the biggest problems I see comes from all the amateur work posted on the internet. I don't mean that bad websites are the problem with Web 2.0, but the millions and millions of bad sites which flood the internet and due to an influx of such worthless information, I am no longer able to easily find valuable information on the internet with current search algorithms. Anyone have any counterpoint to this problem?

Web 2.0!

"It's so easy, my dad can use it!!"

Interesting. I hadn't ever heard of this 'resurgance' or 'redevelopment' of the web. I suppose it's true though, but it's something that never really hit me. Seems a lot of websites before the ''big dot com crash'' were turning stupid things into something you could pay for online. Like paying somebody to walk your dog, or order groceries online or some other rediculous thing.

The new web certainly is different in a sense, a little more level headed, and a lot more useful. At least in terms of hobbies of mine, it's pretty easy to find a wealth of information online. Who would think you could find schematics or an operator's manual for a 25 year old arcade game scanned and cleaned up into PDF format? I needed a gun for an Operation Wolf arcade game and had it in my hands in probably less than a week.

It seems this new net is more about preservation (at least in my OWN experiences), and providing useful information around the web. It seems as though you can find pretty much anything about anything, which is nice opposed to the porn (still rampant I guess) and "a shrine to my puppy" (still rampant I guess) pages that flooded the net of yesteryear.

Communities definitely are a major part of this "new" 2.0. Like in these articles we read, so many people take part in forums, newsgroups (kinda getting outdated it seems), and various other "communities." It's interesting to see how people act in there- I'd often like to see how these people actually act in real life without having a computer to hide behind. I see some pissing matches online that are hilarious. There's one going on now on a Pinball newsgroup; people tearing each other apart over a debate about lacquer dimples. Can you believe that? And these people are much older than I.

I'm interested to see Ben's project's outcome, because I know it deals with online communities, groups, clans, etc. Had I known how fascinating it is, I wouldn't mind doing a project on it myself :-)

Are any of you part of online communities (other than say, MySpace, Friendster), clans, etc? Have you seen any evidence of how people act online vs. online?

The Simpsons...

Like many movies and cartoons and books, The Simpsons is full of metaphors and secret messages... and I love it. One of my favorite things to do when I see a new movie or buy a new album is dig for secrets and "easter eggs." The band Tool, for example, is known for having dozens of secrets hidden within their albums; hidden tracks, special song orders, super quiet messages, and metaphors. Of course the band is generally tight-lipped about any of the fans' theories, so it just makes the whole ordeal expand.
The Simpsons show is no different, most of the stories and characters are based on something from real life and its awesome when we find it out. It seems to me that art, in general, has to have a certain amount of mystery surrounding it for people to take it seriously (or laugh at it).

Homer Simpsons and Shaquille O'Neal

I never thought that The Simpsons can be so deep; every name, the look of the characters, every scene, dialog and action could mean so much, that's really cool. by the way one thing I think was really funny in the article was the part where Marge told Homer that "Homer...all of your....things were kind of the same. ...the point is, great artists are always trying new things, like Michelangelo or Shaquille O'Neal." So did that mean O'Neal was a great artist too?! LOL an action artist of trying everything in life?(well, he did do music, acting and writing...) So i guess everyone was an artist, the different was if they were professional or not... professional was having a certain amount of trainning and learning, and passing certain tests i think...

David Cheung

Homer's outside/inside artist

I didn't really know what to say about this week's reading. I agree with everything that the author said, which makes for a very uninteresting post. I have thought more (maybe from that episode) about what it means to be an "inside" artist and the terrible consequences of specialization within our field. Since we are "culture-makers," I think it's tragic that we have developed our field to the same specialization as physicists and other science areas where only those who dedicate their lives to the study of that field can appreciate the intricacies of that field.

Mom and Pop Art

What's always consistent with The Simpsons, is how in tuned with today's society each episode is.

If bashing on Bush is on a high within the last week, you'll be sure to find some reference to that on the next episode of The Simpsons.

More importantly, in reference to the main character, Homer Simpson, is despite his overall character being unbelieveably idiotic and unbelieveable with every turn and spin of the series, he is constantly trying new things and experiencing moments in life that viewers may have only imagined.

Homer is not the brightest crayon in the box, but not only has he taken the path of an artist, he has also temporarily ran a successful plowering company, made an advanced version of a hammer [that people later claimed that Edison made?!] and found a warp hole into another dimension behind his bookshelf!

I've always seen Homer's character as the type that unknowingly lifts people's spirits. Makes them see that even a not-so-informed lug like Homer can achieve and experience great things.

Even Homer can be an artist, like what is shown in the "Mom and Pop Art" episode of The Simpsons.

I'd like to address the part where Astrid says: "Homer, I'm afraid they only love what's new and shocking. These pieces are just like your earlier work."

Everyone is entitled to create their own art. Whatever content it may be and whatever inspires them to create such art. However, this article goes into depth with what it sells and how professional artist still keep the successful image. Unfortunately in Homer's case, his "accidental" art only amazed audiences for a short period of time. While he thought that displaying similar arts that made him successful, his patrons wanted something fresh. His earlier work had already outstayed its welcome.

Similar to the mention of Shaq, while he will always be known as an NBA star, when his stardom began to die out into history, he seeked other ways to keep his names in the headlights. In some ways, it feels as if one needs to constantly impress in order to be remembered. Perhaps at a certain point, it may not be necessary anymore. Though that is for the individual and the spectators to observate and regulate.

"The Simpsons!"

I have to agree with Evie, I think the Simpsons is just about the greatest show ever created. The past 8-9 years of it have been complete garbage...but! That's another story.

This strays little from the article, but one thing I enjoy about the simpsons IS references to art on so many levels, from things in the background, to whole plots, etc. I think that is one of the greatest things about being familiar with a subject and a show like the Simpons; the more you know, the more hilarious it is, because of the little subtleties throughout the show (like the "Goldsboro Honey" company when Homer finds the sugar pile? F-in' brilliant!)

The same humor is in that show Mystery Science Theater 3000, which unfortunately, is no longer. It's absolutely hilarious if you know wierd, obscure things about pop culture, but otherwise would make no sense at all, since it's nearly all references. "Hey! Rubber Soul font!"

Anyhow, this week has been absolutely terrible. I managed to accidentally blow up an arcade game, get the stomach flu, got a mild cold, then broke out in a rash and went to the hospital, only to find it was caused by strep throat! Quite miserable, here. You might not want to sit around me. I'm bad luck this week! :(

The Simpsons: Insider vs Outsider

The Simpsons is an interesting cartoon that commons and critiques about certain issue or situation in American society in a funny way that makes everyone laugh. To me, I think this is art even though it may seem commercialized and in a very different form of the art we are used to. This cartoon expresses unique ideas and commons about American culture and these issues to people’s attention in a way most people would find interesting.

Some people might think comics and cartoons aren’t art; they are nothing like paintings or whatever you see in a museum. However, don’t most art movements began as outsiders and aren’t considered as art? And after these movements became popular and well known, the art world accepts them and even put them into art history books. So how are the insiders and outsiders being distinguished and who really gets to decide what is art and what isn’t?

Personally, I think in many cases people are being told what is art and who are the outsider and who are the insiders.

Homer The Artist

The Simpsons is the greatest TV show in exsistence. It is increadibly complex and silly at the same time and, is entertaining for all.
I liked how the article we read for this week compaired Homer to real artists such as Jasper Johns. The article really broke down the stereotypes of the moden artist personality type, which in a way mirrored the personality of Homer Simpson.
The "Mom and Pop Art" episode really analyzed the way art is conciebed by the differnt groups of the public. Is it outsider? But then outsider art becomes popular and inturn becomes insider. What is art and when does something meet that critera?
It's all very silly but was the perfect subject for an episode of The Simpsons.
As a side note I've observed many, many episodes of The Simpson's and every time you see a clock it always seems to be 4:20. Isn't that strange?