After reading the article, I feel that this case is a unique one on 2 fronts – Firstly, real life assault had taken place. Secondly, virtual goods are considered the same as real goods under local law.

So the combination of the 2 aspects probably resulted in the prosecution of the subjects. However, the sentences meted out reflects the Court’s emphasis on such cases. Would the same sentence be given on another case with the same ratio decidendi but involving ‘real’ goods (i.e. wallet)? Maybe they would…

http://www.theage.com.au/news/digital-life/games/articles/virtual-thieves-found-guilty/2008/10/22/1224351304722.html

As I stated in our last seminar, I am one of the person that have an optimistic view about the idea of participatory culture, collective intelligent and produsage. One of my reasons is that instead of relying on big media corporation to determine what we will and should watch, user-led content, in my opinion, is a better proposition. Experiences with traditional media system show that audiences have a weak position in the production-distribution-consumption chain. Audiences are treated as passive consumer that will consume what media provide for them. There are only two choices, to consume media content or not to consume at all. To watch TV and read newspaper or not to watch and read at all. But now, digital technologies open the possibility for the “audience” to involve in the production-distribution-consumption chain. The power is not ultimately in the hand of media corporations, as producer, but now it shares between media and audience. I think it’s part of democratisation of our society.

But I’m also aware of other concerns about the idea of participatory culture, as we already discuss in seminar and also that you guys already stated in your comment. But still, I think media-led content and user-led content can complement each other, just like citizen journalism complement traditional journalism. User-led content will not banish media content, because media content somehow is the material for the “users” to create the new creation. The main different is that audiences or media users have a stronger position regarding what they can do with the media content. So, it will not ruin the economic system. In this case, I agree with Alvin, it just probably will make the media corporation earn less profit than they used to be.

As with copyright issue, I think, we all have to reconsider the application of all right reserved in digital age nowadays. Creative common movement is the better alternative to regulate intellectual property in digital age (like we already discuss throughout our course).

What makes me both hopeful and worried at the same time has to do with the concept of citizen journalism. This concept has so much potential and can have a very positive effect on society and for the individual. Citizen journalism can in theory enlighten people in a impartial way opposite published media (due to investors etc.) On the other hand what is being produced is uncontrollable which makes me worry about the quality of the it all. Everything can be published online and I worry about racist statements etc. In the bigger picture I even worry that citizen journalism – due to the fact that it is amateurs producing- will have an inpact on everything from peoples vocabulary, spelling skills and language.

I really liked this unit mostly for its diversity. How many units haven´t we all taken part in where all you had to do was to turn up and take notes to what the teacher said. Zzzzz! This unit has definitely kept me awake and on my toes;) Like Anna I have been challenged with the expectations there was using digital media. Both blogging and Garage Band have been a first for me and it has just not come easy to me unfortunately;)

I find the idea of produsage one that is similar to the idea of collective intelligence. In this situation, the consumers are also the producers. It is also like a social network system where people share whatever infomation they have within the network. Therefore the issue of submitting ourselves under the regulations or authority of the corporation which came up with the network. I find that at this point one could have the attitude of “take it or leave it”. We cannot expect others to switch to a less ‘friendly’ network when the network most people are using is offensive for us.

Finally, I like to say that this had been a very exciting and refreshing learning journey for me. In all my years of study I have not had the opportunity of conducting a group seminar or post comments on a blog. I find this manner of learning and exchanging of ideas and thought a fulfilling experience. Also as pointed during the seminar, the idea of a participatory culture is one that left a deep impression on me. I find that being able to participate and contribute in terms of comments and observations is the best way to boost ones confidence and test out ones soundness of thoughts.
Hope this culture will continue in other areas of our lives as the course closes.

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This has been a very interesting unit. I made a lot of noise when we did the podcast, but I would like to reiterate my point that there was a substantial amount of assumed knowledge built into the assessment. What exactly was it assessing? Skills in Garage Band? What did I learn? Patience?

On a positive note, I really enjoyed listening and reading other people’s assignments that were posted online. I’ve never had an opportunity to read other students work, and I found it interesting to see how people interpreted and applied concepts of the unit.