Digital Storytelling – Makin it Real! September 5, 2006
Posted by dean in PW Classes, week 4.3 comments
New media applications and the internet enable people to share their
stories across the web. The use of social software such as “Our Story”,
“Flickr” and the citizen journalism site “Now Public” provides an opportunity
for individuals without high level computer skills to be a part of the emerging
new media culture. Arguably, user generated content (UGC) is changing
the way that we interact as a society.
More and more people are choosing to spend their viewing time online,
rather than watching the idiot box (television). Does this make for a more
rewarding experience in the long run? Well, that is yet to be seen, but in my
opinion it’s hard to ignore a correlation between reality t.v. and the growth of
the UGC market. Suddenly the viewing public realised that their own lives could
be just as shallow, sensational, inspiring or dull asthe cast of Big Brother.
The “You Tube” website is jam packed with instant stars that can capture our
imagination for a fleeting moment. Just think, who would have thought that
3 million+ people would watch a kid playing a guitar in his bedroom.
Is this the fabulous future of entertainment for a newly empowered audience,
or merely a step towards a new medi(a)ocrity?
For more info look under “Digital Storytelling” in the “Favorite Websites” section
of this blog. Please share your thoughts on this matter.
