Two keywords: Writing and New Media.
It does not necessarily have to be limited to writing literally: tweeting, updating status on Facebook, posting on blogs, making a video and uploading it onto video-sharing websites..."Writing" in this context is actually a general term for creating new content.
New media are media that allow their users to become content creator/provider and share with other users. It is compared to the "old media" where there is an authoritative content provider to act as the center of the circle. Its audience either can not give feedback to it, or can interact with it by simply commenting under the post. But they can never take the place of the "writer" in order to provide content other than what the original writer wants. In "old media" days, only one person or one specific group of administrator have the right to let their voice be heard whereas in new media age, everybody has the right. In this sense, the "old" media is more of a autocratic regime while new media is more of a civil society.
* What's in it for Me?
Why should I care about writing for new media? Why is it so important?
I will not answer the question directly. Instead, I'd like to show you a video first.
Look at this baby. She grows up in a world that iPad is taken for granted while a paper magazine seems unfit. For her, the Apple product makes an integral part of life.
"The medium is the message." says Marshall McLuhan. It means that the medium influences how the message is perceived. With the iPad and all those interactive touch-screen new electronic devices around during her growing up, this baby will internalize a brand new kind of media literacy, based on which she is likely to build works that can barely be created or even well understood by our generation. It excites me all the time just to think about what this new generation of digital natives will create in the future using the new media devices right at their disposal.
So, why is writing for new media so important? It helps you to reborn into a digital immigrant, well-adapted to a new era that is gradually and rapidly forming into shape - before it's too late.
* My Experiences in Writing for New Media
Here I'd like to show you two videos.
I attended the Salzburg Academy on Media and Global Change this summer, where I spent the most amazing three weeks in my life with over 50 participants and top scholars from around the world. One of the tasks that I managed to accomplish in the Academy is to make a public service announcement and put it online:
(if you don't mind, can you please tell me your opinion about this video by posting your comment under this post?)
(if you don't mind, can you please tell me your opinion about this video by posting your comment under this post?)
During the Academy, participants worked collaboratively to create and index of statistics on Violation of Freedom. We also participated in an on-site photo contest under the topic of Freedom(and the lack of it). Each of us submitted a photo that we thought can best represent the concept of the topic. This is my submission:
Andrea Lopez-Portillo, an talented artist who also worked as an intern in the Academy made a video out of all the photos and statistics submitted. Please enjoy it.
Amazing, isn't it? I can't tell you how proud I am for having been involved in this work. In this video, you can see the extraordinary chemistry created by the proper mashing up of ordinary pictures and statistics. It perfectly shows how pictures showing various perspectives of different people echo with each other as well as the startling statistics.
* Innovations in Writing for New Media
The point I want to make by describing my experinces in writing for new media is that innovations in writing for new media does not have to do with fancy, fashionable, brand new tools. Instead, it is all about presenting ordinary content in innovative ways. The technology to create the two videos above has been around for years. But for me, they are still some new forms of writing for/with new media.
Don't be intimidated. New media is the best platform we have now. Come and exercise your individual autonomy in the new media world!
Don't be intimidated. New media is the best platform we have now. Come and exercise your individual autonomy in the new media world!
Thanks for this excellent post - I really enjoyed all of the videos that you shared. I particularly like the mash-up: it's a very interesting combination of modes: written, visual, aural. Indeed, new media has really changed what we mean by 'writing' - this post is an excellent illustration of that concept!
ReplyDeleteI agree that "Writing for New Media" as a concept is not limited to writing in the literal sense or "the written word" per se. It can be any communicative medium/text based on Semiology (the science of signs and symbols and the interpretation thereof), and perhaps with particular emphasis on emotive and/or sensualistic language.
ReplyDeleteTo stimulate the human senses is in my opinion the best way to impart a message that impacts deeply on the human psyche, tends to be more persuasive, and is definitely more memorable than the alternative. Your use of the written word in this post marries up very nicely with the audio-visual components you have thoughtfully included to offer a well-rounded and enjoyable experience to your readers.
The ideas of "feedback", "interaction", and multi-directional channels of communication are most attractive, and I do think it is also important to use language that is concise, descriptive (including usage of appropriate senses), and unambiguous.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate you on a formidable piece of writing in the new media style. Your structure seems sound, and I particularly like your conclusion with its encouragement and invitation to try something new and obviously exciting. Keep up the terrific work!!
Martin.
Hi jojo, I agree with your point on "writing, in this context is a generic term for content creation". Then based on what you have mentioned, do you mean we are having less gate keepers or quality checkers compared with old media, or you would think these people still exist but the process of dealing with new context created takes longer? And, the video is a well-picked one, that leads me thinking of the responsibility of parents. Because I think parents should be aware of the effect of touchscreen devices and printed materials do on children,as I would be a bit worried about children's cognition side. Based on this video, would there be an idea called "channel/ medium literacy"? haha.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comment kitty. Well I think it's not that we are now having less gate keepers - it is that now everyone can be the gate keeper. Messages circulated on the new media platform will go through a self-curation process. Those who are sound and true will stay whereas those rumors and fake news will gradually fade away.
ReplyDeleteI share your concern on the touchscreen devices' negative effect on children. I was shocked the first time I saw the video. But then I thought about it: we should not be old-fashioned guys who deny any new technological changes; instead, we should embrace it and view it in a critical way. The child came to learn that she was able to manipulate the world and the world would respond to her. Chances are that she would take it for granted that she has the right to change the world. It's a good thing :)