ARTS2090. Essay (Question 2.) Come; come, come into my world!! (Kylie Minogue.)

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Question: But what’s happening today-the mass ability to communicate with each other, without having to go through a traditional intermediary- is truly transformative. 

For an extended period of time the world of media has been disrupted and reconstructed through the force of the Internet.  There is no longer a traditional intermediary, creating a wide spectrum of publishing power, breaking down the force of control.  This is transforming society in terms of reach. Here, the fashion magazine industry is struggling to survive due to the advance of the sphere of fashion bloggers, the every day person inviting the wider public into their personal space, breaking down spatial and temporal boundaries and reconfiguring traditional notions of publishing. Here, the hierarchy of publishing is changing. These bloggers are becoming empowered social bodies, looked up to by the public. This breakaway is transformative in its communicative and connective abilities. Bloggers have the upper hand due to their assemblage of fashion marketing and journalism in terms of written and visual work. This has affected the publishing world, both positive and negative.

“The mass ability to communicate with each other, without having to go through a traditional intermediary- is truly transformative.” (Rusbridger. A. 2010.) There is no longer the middle- man or the Fourth Estate selecting or declining information. Everyone and anyone have the power to publish if they have Internet access, changing the hierarchy of publishing. It is not about having status, but rather a platform to communicate. In terms of fashion blogs, there are numerous platforms including; Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, WordPress, available to anyone for publishing. Unlike traditional media “the online world has no center, no gatekeeper, no margins,” (Errington. W, Miragliotta. N. 2012. Pg. 58.), therefore an ability to maintain and restrain information, as presented through the role of the fourth estate, is almost impossible. There is no person standing as an authoritative power figure determining what information should be presented to the public like that of a fashion magazine editor. Traditional fashion publications such as Vogue, have stood for several decades as trend setters. However, today, with the ability for anyone to present ideas of fashion, there is no specific talking point, as previously presented. The ability to comment on blogs provides strong engagements and an empowered voice for society through the conversational platforms. “Readers become writers, communication flowing both ways.” (Glaysher. F. 2010.) Further, bloggers invite audiences into their personal world, creating human interest and potential loyalty. This is negative for traditional publications, declining their brand loyalty, which in turn is declining revenue.

In order to understand the reach possibilities of fashion blogs, social fashion influencer, the Digitallux, segmented fashion publication users across 31 countries, with an analysis of over 550 blogs.  (Visual.ly. 2011.) Here the invisible became visible, through researching specific blogs and how they are structured across the globe, providing society with an idea of the nature of the blogosphere. They researched four different fashion blog sectors within each country; editorial, street style, Do It Yourself (DIY), and personal style. For the purpose of this essay two countries will be examined; North America and Australia. Within North America 304 blogs were examined. The results found; 21% were DIY, 33% personal style, 7% street, and 38% editorial. In terms of Australia, 25 blogs were researched with; 20% DIY, 12% street style, 24% personal style, 44% editorial. The variety of blogs enables the blogosphere to cater to a variety of interests regardless of space or time, a truly transformative ability.  In North America, 83% of blogs were on twitter and 46% on Facebook. In Australia, 80% are on Twitter and 36% on Facebook. Their positioning on social media sites allows for the blogs to be easily shared, reached and connected to, something that traditional publications cannot necessarily provide. Traditional publications, are attempting to keep up, representative in their online publications.

The numerous platforms allows for individuals to seek out other blogs that connect to their interests, enabling them to create their own archive of information. There is an “always on culture” (Errington. W, Miragliotta. N. 2012. Pg. 11.), therefore, people are constantly seeking out new information. To view the visualization visit: http://visual.ly/global-fashion-blog-stats.

The Internet is creating freedoms of all sorts in terms of information retrieval and creation. “Its not a digital trend. It’s a trend about how people are expressing themselves.” (Rusbriger. A. 2010.) People want to feel empowered, and are becoming empowered. In terms of the online fashion arena, people desire to create their own archive of images and information. One blogger said; ‘the Internet has empowered me. I am no longer tied to what the fashion magazines want to show me. I can go out and find it myself without even leaving my home, and I thank the fashion bloggers for that.”  (Fonseca. H. 2013.)

Numerous bloggers provide a variety of styling information, imagery and ideas that constantly develop. These bloggers are expressing themselves through a platform, and providing the audience with their own platform of expression and connectivity with others with similar interests, creating a community. Bloggers such as Tuula and the counterpart Tuula Vintage take audiences on a fashion journey around the world, giving them a detailed insight into the world of fashion. Here the blogger is personalized, and therefore receives loyalty due to his or her presence as a social body.

The restrictions on how to publish and reasons to publish have been broken down. The Guardian Editor in Chief said; “(its) about a new democracy of ideas and information…about the releasing of individual creativity.” (Busfied. S. 2010.) It’s interesting in that everyone has the ability to publish materials, regardless of their degree, social standing, opinion, etc. For a fashion blogger to be heard there is no need to present their work to a traditional publisher. In actuality, there is probably more chance of being approached by a publisher. Here both the creator and the recipient are empowered in their ability to communicate and share. Here, traditional journalism is under attack, fighting for survival. Further, the quality, reliability and affect of the published work are questioned with the removal of an intermediary, a watch- dog. This is potentially problematic. There is a gradual movement from “a distinct genre of journalism; as a vital means of accountability, almost the fourth estate itself; and the first draft of legislation.” (Errington. W, Miragliotta. N. 2012. Pg. 182. ) In this it is difficult to monitor information.

There is a wider spectrum of information published. Numerous bloggers converge film, photography, written work etc., creating an edge that a traditional publication lacks. “Convergence has increased the potential reach.” (Jenkins. 2006. 14), Connecting to a wider variety of interests. Fashion publications are realizing this threat and therefore have started using these tools on their online publications. Publications such as Teen Vogue have worked with bloggers, understanding their influence on society and their techno-savvy nature. Reinforcing the idea of archive fever in what Derrida explains; different media constitutes different ways of thinking. Individuals and institutions are their archives (Derrida. Howard. S. 2007.) “It’s not that publishers aren’t adapting—its their tool belts that aren’t evolved enough to meet most acute needs.” (Sachir Kamdar, Media Shifts. 2012.)  The Internet allows you to archive information easily. Instantaneously there is a date and time published with a post, stored within the blog. This is important for both the blogger and the consumer in their ability to revisit the post. They post blogs daily or weekly, making them easily researched and therefore easy to follow and share.

Traditionally, publishing was a process with different people having different set roles. In traditional magazine publications there is a process of writing, presenting to the editor for publishing approval, printing, assembling the actual publication as a whole and then selling to the public. People were delegated roles, enabling a smooth running process as explored through the notion of a commons space. “A commons arises whenever a given community decides that it wishes to manage a resource in a collective manner, with a special regard for equitable access, use and sustainability.” (Bollier. D. 2010.) Today, however, its one person typing and clicking the “post” button. Traditionally, The material and those who published held exclusive positions, due to its general ability to influence and shape the nature of both society and culture. This hierarchy is changing.

The role of these new publishing bodies is not so simple. There is imbedded an assemblage of marketer, stylist, journalist, model, editor, photographer, publisher, etc. “Individuals are self selecting… with diverse capabilities and interests.” (Errington. W, Miragliotta. N. 2012. Pg. 41.) This shows a shift in consumer behavior and attitudes. “Brands have figured out by now that fashion bloggers have real influence- and that street blogs can really drive people to buy their clothes.” (Wilkinson. I. The daily Beast. 2013.) Designers use bloggers as chief marketers and advertisers for their latest product or fashion line. This is two fold in that audiences will become exposed to both parties. People are now truly becoming connected to the fashion world, specifically when bloggers attend fashion shows and high- end events.

Traditional intermediaries “find it difficult to look outside the frame of their own medium and look at what this animal called social, or open media does.” (Glaysher. F. 2010.)  They need to understand that bloggers are moving at the same speed as society and the happenings within. “We are travelling through a period of extreme change faster than our corporate bodies can cope with.”(Rusbridger. A. 2010. The Guardian.) For instance, bloggers are meeting societies desires for instant, personalized information in their constant postings and talking points. Further, bloggers are providing free and easily accessible information. The movement could be seen as a problem in the disconnection from traditional notions of space and time. Society may lose nostalgia as presented through a traditional publication.

On another level, “blogs are great communications tools, search engines (and advertisers) love their constant supply of fresh content and they allow readers and authors to interact more directly than ever before.” (Goudie. E. Helium. 2009) The blogger does not need to pay anyone for his or her services as they have taken on almost all roles; therefore there is no definite profit to be made to make up for pay –checks, therefore the consumer does not pay. Unlike bloggers, magazines need to pay models, photographers etc. The issue of payment and the easily accessible nature of the blogging world are changing the hierarchy of publishing. Although the free nature of the blog is seen as positive, they are breaking down the structure of a commons space where each person has a specific role in order to keep society running. This can be fatal in that there will be job losses and instability within society. Further, the notion of the business model is becoming in jeopardy. Although they are making revenue from advertisements, they still need to charge for the publications to cover the costs. Should they charge though?

With the ease of becoming a publisher on the Internet, there is becoming a crowded market of information. An overcrowded market means lack of attention. “Attention has its own behavior, own dynamics, own consequences.” (Goldhaber. M. H. Wired. 1997.) In the overcrowded market people are not attentive to one specific blog or publication in their ease to connect to numerous sites at once. Therefore, the blogger needs to present something exciting, inviting and new. There is needed “a true market place of ideas flourish and compete for the reader.” (Glaysher. F. 2010.) The traditional structure of the industry is diminishing. A major problem is that “anyone can become a blogger, and anyone can use a blog to spread any sort of information, true or untrue.” (Goudie. E. Helium. 2009.) With a lack of attention, people will consume and believe almost anything; therefore, the nature of today’s publishing structures can be problematic. Without a middleman, it is hard to trust the information and its potential affects on both society and individuals.

It is evident that the online world, including the positioning of fashion bloggers has little to no intermediaries in guiding and controlling information. This is both positive and negative. On one hand, the freedom to publish is enabling society to become further connected. Further, the ability to source and create information is providing individuals with the power to connect to their own specific interests that are not constructed by authoritative figures. However, on the other hand, without intermediaries, potentially damaging information can be presented to society, and further, numerous jobs may be lost.

 

References:

 

You’re welcome fashionistas! Market Finder (Central Sydney)!! : ARTS2090 Visualisation. Blog 8.

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I know it’s what you’ve been waiting for!! 

We’ve created the perfect space to locate all of your favourite markets and more in one special place!! Even better, it suits the needs of both digitally-savvy people, as well as those who still love traditional interactions and formats!! It is ubiquitous in its ability to appear almost anywhere, anytime!! 

What does it look like?

Within both the traditional and digital formats the markets are connected by either a red, green or brown string. Each string connects the markets on a brown map, standing to represent if you can walk, bus or train from each market to the next. Further, on the traditional form, we have different coloured pins, each representing whether the market sells food, souvenirs or fashion! The traditional format has fun and exciting icons to increase the pleasant and fun aesthetics, and to connect to the intended audience. There are adorable dolls with tags saying things such as; “Your can try before you buys!” Cute, right? Who wouldn’t want to look at this!

 

Here’s an image of one of my group members with the traditional format:Image

Here’s an image of our traditional format:

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Why did we create this visualisation? It’s quite simple; it is easy for both tourists and locals to source the best and most popular markets within central Sydney. Further, we believe it is important to encourage increased visitation to markets, specifically vintage. This will help in increasing cultural activities and awareness. Lastly, we feel a strong importance to help market sellers increase their revenue!!

 
By having a visualisation, we are increasing the ease for tourists who don’t speak English, for those in a rush, and even those market hopping. Here users will be able to easily navigate which markets sells what they are interested in. We increased the ease even further, as it will help them in navigating their best means of transportation, and the best route. 
 
This is a more stimulating and faster way to connect to your passion, working as an alternative to googling each market, visiting transportation sites and reading those dreadful maps!! The traditional format is particularly stimulating in its interactive nature, its fun imagery and captions! Further, this interactive nature works to further entice interest! 
 
Too all you market stall owners, we did’t forget about you!! This visualisation is a great business tool. How? People using the visualisation while shopping will see your market, therefore will be encouraged to visit your market location, coming across your stall. We’re almost doing the marketing for you!!
 
There are numerous benefits to both the digital and traditional forms. In terms of the traditional form, the most obvious starting point is that it is aesthetically pleasing and interactive. This is evident in the fun icons and interesting materials used. We have focussed strongly on using organic materials. Connecting to its organic, recycled nature, it is suitable to be published in any trendy Sydney location, specifically a cafe’, hence bringing together social, cultural and publishing elements. A really good attribute is that it can be published in a physical, social space; therefore utilising the elements of assemblage. Here, not only will we be drawn to traditional interactions, but we will be forming community relations! It’s even an educational tool!! It can be hung in a school with the potential to help teach kids about the diverse market culture in Sydney, teaching kids to be economically- savvy. 
 
There are also numerous benefits to the digital format. It can be published and shared on a global scale, breaking through numerous spatial and temporal boundaries. This will help increase international awareness of the vibrant market community in Sydney, encouraging people to come and visit! Further, through social networking sites it can be shared with others, for instance;  those who are coming to visit Sydney can get an idea of the vibrant market culture and the locations of where they are. In focussing on details in connection to the iPhone application mobile culture; it can be saved and essentially ‘archived’ into personal files. In this, it can be edited/personalized, enabling users to add and explore new markets sourced. The best part of the digital format, in my opinion, is its ability to be constantly present (if you have your phone or computer with you), therefore moving through space and time! it is ubiquitous as explored above!! 

 
We think its a long awaited visualisation!! We couldn’t be more excited!! 
 

 

Blog 7: Arts2090: Do You Really Remember Me?

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Changes in technology and power are transparent in terms of movement, positioning and effect. In this, there is almost a mirrored activity. In terms of visualization, technology has shifted the power of natural memory and thought, and visa versa, moving it into a mechanical and unnatural process. We no longer just have memory, we have memory cards storing and capturing significant moments. We are placing the power of our memory into a man-made, power hungry device.

Possibly we could raise the question if whether or not our social bodies have our best interest at heart. The technology is only rising with new inventions such as Vjing, which further reshape visual experience and memory. Is it all about the money and the power that can be gained, or is it to our benefit, rather than detriment to continue to allow such powerful technological devices to continue to grow and enter our space?

This, in my view, is not a positive progression, as we, as a society and culture, are becoming too reliant on these technological devices and their power, therefore losing touch of the authenticity and beauty of our natural memory storage and thought. We are almost turning into robots, relying on the exterior to connect us to the interior.

Further, I think its safe to say that photos often take away from the authenticity of a moment, dismanteling the pressure to stay connected in the specific time and space. For instance, have you ever noticed when people take a photo with their friends, they create a new moment, in the actual, physical moment. Here, what is being captured does not necessarily capture the actuality of the happenings, therefore, the memory is not accurate. Here, natural memory would be more reliant.

From personal experience, I utilize my IPhone as a tool to remember. I remember faces, events and significant moments from photos.

Here’s a perfect example. I recently visited India with four of my friends. It was single handedly the most beautiful, intriguing and interesting place I have ever visited.  We all were obsessed with “capturing the moment”, however, to the contrary, we were losing touch of the physical and real experience. I look back on some of my photographs and notice that the mood and the actuality of the day are not purely represented and presented in the photograph. It was a recent visit, therefore my memories are still quite strong, therefore I still have the ability to compare and contrast. From my memory, particular photos present opposite moods. For instance, I can recall a day when we were all particularly hyper active and rowdy, however the photograph of that day presented a calm and serene image. This was not the true moment, but was rather a capture of a single instance.

ARTS2090: Blog 6: I Can See what You’re Feeling ☺

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Iconography and emoticons allow for the invisible to be visible. In the online world I cant naturally show you how I am feeling or portray my emotions, however, through the use of icons and liking certain things; I can start to show you.

I can find new relationships with both my physical friends, people beyond my spatial and temporal boundaries, as well as brands, bloggers and groups. I am making the invisible relationships become visible. We can now share our feelings, emotions and thoughts through a simple image, or a simple click of a button. This in my opinion is helping keep people connected and helping to create an interactive and communal reach for businesses and publications in this online world. We are in effect publishing our emotions and feelings.

Emoticons help with expressing emotions and relaying feelings. If I am happy, I can publish a smiley face. If I am sad I can send a sad face. My words can be interpreted in any way, however, these emoticons and the iconography enables the recipient to visualize my emotions and understand the meaning of my words in a literal and real manner, extending the meaning of my words. Here, I am creating an online character, and a closer connection to my personality. In this, I am more interesting and understandable online.

“Along the way, Friedberg seeks to theorize and historicize vision itself through a variety of critical “lenses,” each of which operates in conjunction with certain technologies at specific moments in time.”  (Anna Frieberg, The virtual Window interactive.)  You can look at this as a pair of glasses that moves through time and space. The glasses transform you into the same space as your conversational recipient, breaking through spatial and temporal boundaries. This is a form of data visualization. Here you can break down the barriers of visualization, making your emotions visible. In this, my conversational recipient can experience the same emotion and feeling with me at the same moment in time. Now I can feel connected to anyone at any space, expressing emotions and thoughts as I would in real time and real space and my published thoughts become more truthful.

In terms of businesses and online publications, the placement of emoticons and icons, makes it easier for the formal to become informal.  This establishes a lighter and friendlier mood, enabling for a more inviting space. This is specifically important for blogs. Further, the like button allows for the audience to become interactive with you, your work and your other followers. The publication is being transformed into a community. They are creating a community based on a shared liking.

Looking at fashion blogs. The blogger wants you to like the images and clothing that they present. To help you like them and to make them more inviting, icons such as a smiley face or a love heart will lure you in and entice a feeling of acceptance. Further, if people click the like button, you will see a pattern of recognition. If the clothing is gaining approval and becoming fashionable as portrayed trough the number of likes, you will be more likely to like it too. It’s like seeing a number of people wearing a new style on the street. The more people you see wearing the style and accepting it, the more likely you will too. The like button, an online comment or an emoticon is the online way to create a visual trend.

Without these like buttons and emotions you would be less likely to visualize peoples emotions toward the piece.

Blog 5: ARTS2090: It’s A Common(s) Space.

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Media publications in the past used to hold a great deal of power and control in terms of media and usage.  In this, there were specific people who held specific roles in terms of publishing. This is a “commons” society.  “A commons arises whenever a given community decides that it wishes to manage a resource in a collective manner, with a special regard for equitable access, use and sustainability.” The Commons. In this, the assemblage of workers who are involved in putting together the publication is able to make money, as is the publication itself. Here the publication is maintained, sustained and profitable. “We need Commons-based solutions for a commons-based society.” Commons. The privatization of the media, like any other commons based society, enables a division of individually owned counterparts of the publication, meaning that the resource will be maintained for an extended period of time. Further, the publication gains attentive and loyal consumers, enabling for it to flourish and maintain its stance in the industry.

 

If numerous people in society take on the specified roles in publishing than it will loose its authenticity, the industry will loose its power and its role in society will begin to diminish. Further, there will be a loss in attention and most notably, a loss in revenue. “Attention is the currency of cyberspace,” in that attention flows and moves around online, with people connecting to numerous sites and publications at numerous moments in time.

 

Today,  web 2.0 has broken down those social standings, with everyone and anyone having power in media. If there is an overload of information available, it is inevitable that society will begin to move away from attentive connections to media, the commons society will be broken down, having less attention to detail, and in that, shift away from publication loyalty.  Michael H. Goldhaber said;  “Attention has its own behavior, its own dynamics, its own consequences.” It is possible, with an inability to pay attention to specific publications, in the long run, the industry as we know it will be destroyed, due to the overwhelming rush and overload of information. James Temple said; “The modern world bombards us with stimuli.”

 

In my view, it is in societies best interest to focus on a few publications and media outlets. In this, there is a certain amount of control maintained by media officials, and the attention of users will stay strong and possibly even lengthen.

 

I personally have become accustomed to connecting to multiple media platforms, therefore not only do I loose attention to the publications material and its stance, but I always loose my loyalty. 

Blog 4: ARTS2090.. Archives and adding to history

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Have you ever wondered how today we know and have access to information from decades ago? Or how we can come in contact with information and stories from different times and spaces? In the simplest form, it is through our ability to access archives, which cherish and store information based on history and memory. Derrida’s book Archival Fever reviews and explains this idea, delving into its structural nature.    

 

Archival Fever explains how today, not only can we look and connect to the past, but we too can add to it, through new information, research as well as historical information.

 

For instance, looking at a significant and well-known historical event, the infamous Holocaust. There are numerous archives filled with important, well-structured and resourceful publications based on this tragic event. These sources have been documented throughout different times and spaces, with an importance of keeping the memory of the event alive. In order to retain and continue the memory, we need to revive it through time, possibly by adding new found information, publishing the information in different publishing platforms and allowing for new voices to be heard, possibly from those of the descendant generations. Adding to the information, in a respectful and truthful manner, will only create further relevance and help in maintaining the events status in society. Elmastudio explores Steedman’s this idea through the notion of a hotel bed. There is an exploration of how numerous people have slept in that bed, and as a result, left their mark.  

 

Going back to a previous idea of different publishing platforms. Derrida explains that different media constitutes a different way of thinking. Possibly if information is posted online it will have a different, new and meaningful connection to readers of this and upcoming generations. It will have a different meaning in that people can publically post their thoughts, views and feelings towards the situation, continuously interacting with the situation and reviving new ideas, connecting to different and possibly universally unknown sources that will enable a greater reach and connection and leer in a new audiences. Here, individuals and societies beyond those with a significant connection to the situation will have a desire to connect to the information and possibly even put forward the information to others in a meaningful and desirable way.  Elmastudio states that archive fever is a “desire for a new beginning”, and in that, the possibility to recreate, restructure and revisit ideas, thoughts and publications.

 

The only way to keep information relevant is by bringing something new. It is also important for the archives and information within those archives to move in the same direction of society, with publishing focusing on how and where people source their information. This will enable a relevance and strong accessibility to the archives, holding onto history and memories. 

Blog 3: ARTS2090: Come sip on a cuppa with me!

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The traditional coffee house has been an important space for society. It is a “public sphere,” that not only stands to create a warm, intimate and interactive social space, but also calls for a connection and attention to traditional activities, publishing and traditional communication. The assemblage, the bringing together of social life with a connection to media is an important tool that has been utilized for a long period of time. By placing an old bookshelf in a room filled with warm drinks, cozy couches, dimmed lighting and old books, we might be able to create a feeling of nostalgia, and in turn remind ourselves of the good, simple old days. We might be able to re-form a healthy bond with tangible publications, and maybe revive the struggling publishing industry! Maybe we could hold a conversation between two people, possibly one influenced by the publication we’re reading, that is in real time and space, a conversation that is published only between the people in the space, rather than to the rest of the world, as the Internet so easily allows. The coffeehouse can create a shift in culture. We have an over determined idea of community due to digitization, therefore, this shift is much needed. It is still ok to incorporate digitization, however, it should not take over! The Guardian editor in Chief said, “It’s not a ‘digital trend’. It’s a trend about how people are expressing themselves.” Maybe this can be a new way for people to express themselves and to find a space to explore.

 

We have lost touch of what it’s like to turn the page of a book and the feeling we get when we get lost in its plot. We have lost touch of sitting around and conversing about the daily happenings as we read in the newspaper. Possibly the coffeehouse is a communicative action.

 

We are too caught up in the hustle and bustle of society. The easily accessible Internet and social media have almost taken over our being. It has become a prevalent, and in my opinion, dangerous move from our natural ways. Possibly a cool, hip environment that encourages a reigniting of a love, respect and need for traditional publishing’s can bring us back to reality and move us away from becoming robots. Let’s face it; we’re pretty much acting that way!

 

These coffeehouses are cool, they’re hip and they embrace traditional publishing in all its forms. They embrace traditional books, live music, films, newspapers magazines etc. In this, memories and history are created! Having tradition publications are important for the creation of these memories. E-readers don’t allow for history to appear. In theses coffee shops, I can drop my coffee on the book and look back on it in a year’s time and have a memory. If I were to drop coffee on my computer, the only historical moment I would have is the moment I realized I was out hundreds of bucks.

I’m A Publisher, You’re A Publisher, We’re All Publishers! (ARTS2090)

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Publishing has evolved over time in reference to both the act of publishing and those involved in the process. In the simplest form, publishing began as sharing news and stories orally. We then learnt to write the alphabet, which transformed into writing on stones and then in books. Publishing allowed for messages and professional material to transform through either time or space. The material and those who publicized held exclusive positions, due to its general ability to influence and shape the nature of both society and culture. Today, however, this is all changing. With the help of web 2,0 and other digital media outlets, everyone has a voice and an ability to put forward information, whether it be through blogging, social media or the more accessible ability to interact with professional publishing organizations.

At a conference, Alan Rusbriger, The Guardian editor in chief said; “It’s not a ‘digital trend’. It’s a trend about how people are expressing themselves, about how societies will choose to organise themselves, about a new democracy of ideas and information…., about the releasing of individual creativity.”  It is important for the publishing world to work hand-in-hand with these changes. They need to embrace the changes. Business models should be the least important concern for publishers, but rather a focus on the industry itself and its ability to maintain its position in society and have its voice heard!

Teen Vogue, a well-known magazine has begun listening and focusing on how they can work with, rather than against these changes.  They have now added their publication digitally, have numerous staff members on social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and have staff members working on their own blogs. This isn’t necessarily helping them bring in instantaneous profits; however, it is helping to ensure a loyal audience.

Click here to explore Teen Vogues blog. http://fashionclick.teenvogue.com/users/top.

Further, Teen Vogue is keeping a close eye on numerous bloggers and incorporating many in their publications. Teen Vogue vice president stated that the blogging trend is “bringing us closer to the Democratization of Fashion, by breaking down the barriers of exclusivity.” This comment only stands to extenuate the strong hold that members of society have. The every-day person is becoming very influential and powerful in the realms of media and society itself. These bloggers views, and the views of those on social media are becoming important sources of information.  She went further in saying; “Bringing in outside bloggers only enhances what we do as a brand. We function as a filter for broader content.”

Visit http://www.teenvogue.com/careers/fashion-careers/2012-07/blogger-views-of-now-profile/?intro  to see the “Teen Vogue Blogger of the moment.”

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These bloggers give information on how and why they started their blogs. They are now apart of the Teen Vogue group.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuZA1n3hNQc

It is important, more than ever before, that the publishing industry keeps a close and watchful eye on society and its ever- growing influential bodies.

What do you have to say?

ARTS2090: Blog 1. Will We Miss The Nostalgia?

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In this new technological age, there has become a downfall in the publishing industry, as we know it. This is not necessarily to say that it is because society is consciously moving away from the traditional means of publishing, in my view it is based on the dissemination of new media. Web 2.0 and other forms of digital media are almost impossible to hide from as they are continuously breaking down spatial and temporal boundaries and making their way into the palms of our hands as seen through numerous ereaders such as the Apple ipad. Publishers are trying their best to keep up.  I think Sachin Camdar put it best in his publication Why Publishers are about to go data crazy,  “Publishers have been running a marathon in a pair of shoes that are four sizes too small.”

Looking closely at one particular niche of the publishing industry, journalism. I hope that journalism does not fall flat in the face of the digital age. There is nothing like a hard copy book or magazine. There is an authenticity in their smell and feel, specifically when they have history, something that cannot be reproduced online. I have a great love for magazines such as Rush, Vogue and Oyster. I love how I move into my own little space with my magazines, having a connection that I could not have online with adverts flashing in my face. Traditional publications allow for “immersive reading experiences”, something that the web could not provide.” (John Naughton, The guardian, 2012.)

There are now numerous threats from web 2.0, specifically from bloggers with not only their ability to gain a lot of the publishing power traditionally held in the hands of publishers, but also their ability to connect to audiences in all spaces and times. 

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These are old Vogue magazines from the 1950’s and 60’s. I know that it is hard to tell from these images, but if you look closely, you can see the change in colour and effects of age on the paper. 

The industry is fighting to find a way to adapt. “It’s not the publishers that aren’t adapting — it’s their tool belts that haven’t evolved to meet most acute needs.” (Sachir Kamdar, Media Shifts.) Many publications have merged with the online world to enable a constant interaction with subscribers and to try keep up with the online world.  Many have online publications such as Vogue http://www.vogue.com.au/ and Rush http://www.russhmagazine.com/. All allow for an interactive experience with other readers, editors, and the publication itself. As John Lehrer has said; “The words will shimmer on the screen, but the sentences will be quickly forgotten.” (Lehra, Wired Science blogs.)

Vogue has also created a Youtube channel inviting their followers into their actual space:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cytfJSL47Bw&playnext=1&list=PL35039A1063D2CA53&feature=results_main

Whose to say what the future holds for the publishing industry, but I hope its one filled with lots of coffee stains, rips and rich memories!