Concepts Assignment

Concept 7 – NETIQUETTE

“Good communication practice on the Internet is not something one ‘learns’, but something one ‘practices’ so as to teach others, less familiar than yourself, how it is done” (Allen,n.d.)

The concept above can be interpreted to mean that Internet users must set an example so as to gain the trust and confidence of other internet users. Once this trust and confidence has been gained it can then be passed on to new users.

However, this is not as simple as abiding by a set of pre-determined rules, as the rules of Internet communication are transient, and can vary depending on which area of cyberspace the user is communicating within.

Generally, the “rules’ of Netiquette are formed by a set of socially acceptable codes of conduct, which can relate to e-mail, newsgroups, forums or on-line chat facilities or web sites.

Within the groups mentioned above, it is possible to then further breakdown the functions or purpose of each type of group into that of business, social networking or special interest (to name just a few).

The tone or degree to which Netiquette “rules” are used in each of the above categories may vary significantly. “Social conventions for the type of framework form the type of relationship and social atmosphere that a particular community wants to achieve”(Pankoke-Babutz, Klockner & Jeffrey, 1999).

For example, the tone of a business e-mail may differ significantly form that of a chat session between two friends in an on-line program such as ICQ.

In both of the above cases however, it is the responsibility of the users to practice good netiquette in order to gain the trust and acceptance of the other party (receiver). The tone created by your e-mails will either earn the respect or displeasure of other users.If your tone is acceptable, then you can be considered part of the community.

On the other hand, if your tone is not acceptable, it is the responsibility of  the other members of the group to inform/remind the new member of the code of conduct required.

In reading the general  “rules” of Netiquette,  it is my opinion that one of the most important is to “lurk” prior to entering the discussion. This rule saves already established users form having to re-trace subjects or questions that may have previously been discussed.  By “lurking” the new user (or “newbie”) also learns to understand the topics covered and the level of knowledge of other users.

One must also consider that the users (receives) of your correspondence or posts are also human, not machines.  The fact that we are using a machine to post a comment or reply may prompt newer users to use tone or language that may not be considered appropriate due to their “anonymity”.  The newer user may indeed forget that the receiver has feelings of their own. “It’s ironic, really. Computer networks bring people together who’d otherwise never meet. But the impersonality of the medium changes that meeting to something else–well, less personal.” (Shay,V. 1994). It is the responsibility of more experienced users to exemply this in their writing.

References:

Panoke-Babatz, U., Klockner, K., & Jeffrey, P.(1999)”Norms and Conventions in Collaborative Systems” In Bullinger, H. Ziegler,J. Proceedings of HCI International ’99, August 22-27, Munich, Germany. Volume 2, 313-317.

Shay, V. (1994) Netiquette. San Francisco. Albion Books.

CONCEPT 28 – THE PARADOX OF THE WORLD WIDE WEB

“Advanced Internet users recognise the character of the Web, utilise its advantages, ameliorate its deficiencies and understand that not all users have the same abilities as themselves in reconciling the paradox of the WWW”. (Allen, n.d).

The World Wide Web is a constantly evolving, but almost routine part of most people’s lives both in business and at home.

“It allows us to traverse the globe, to convene for many causes, to converse intimately or publicly with many persons. Yet to accomplish these interactions we must sit, solitary, at the computer keyboard, interfacing deeply not with a human other but with Windows 95.” (Thorburn.D,  1998).

In his essay Professor Thorburn identifies how the World Wide Web (WWW) makes the user feel as though they are part of a greater “cyber community” without needing the leave the safety of their home/office environment.  The user may even change their identity or remain totally anonymous if they so desire.

In doing so, however, the “general” WWW user is not always completely aware of the vast quantities of programming and functionality going on “behind the scenes” as they surf the web, download the latest movies or play an on-line computer game against an “opponent” living on the other side of the world.

On the other hand, the inquisitive and exploratory nature of humans can make even the most basic WWW user hunger for more powerful hardware, faster Internet connections and software programs that enable less effort to interact with the web.

The advanced Internet users recognise that the cultural impact of the WWW, which has lead to the emergence and adaptation of open source web browsers. This is enabling home programmers to develop software and programs that may be adapted for future use by the WWW community. This would have been unheard of during the reign of the large multi national browsers.

However, in attempting to keep track of every new development is impossible. Internet users may purchase or download the latest version of software without actually understanding it’s effect or how it will benefit their use of the WWW.  The user may not understand that this new software may in fact hinder their WWW use, and they may be required to buy additional, more expensive software upgrades in order to enhance their WWW experience.  The user may end up out of pocket, while the software companies reap the rewards.

Advanced Internet users will trial and evaluate the benefits of new technology or download free ware plug ins that may be suggested by their piers.

The advanced Internet user must also consider that all Internet users are not equal. Limitations such as bandwidth, older operating systems, outdated versions of software, cultural and political regulation may prevent users from using the Internet to it’s full potential. There is little point in writing a web site in the most recent programming language if your audience will be unable to view it.

Searching the Web

This section deals with the many ways you can vary/define your search in order to achieve the best possible results that are most relevant to your requirements.

After being a Yahoo! fan for many years,  I switched to Google a few years ago.  I found that Google yielded more meaningful results for my “basic” search queries. After reading the course notes and relevant links, I have discovered that there are multiple ways to search for the same query.

In order to try a bit of variety , I have also now downloaded approx 10 search engines including Bing, Copernic, and Ask.

Copernic is a different type of search engine. It is capable of searching and producing results from multiple search engines.

1) Using Google, I tried a search using the words Curtin University Gecko. My results were as follows:

• Search as above: 4070 results (including the species).
• Search Curtin University AND Gecko: 4060 results (also including the species).
• Advanced search narrowing search to .edu domains produced only: 126 results.
• Lastly – using Google Scholar : 160 results.

2) Searching the words Curtin University Gecko using Copernic produced the following results:

• Search as above: 38 results with library.curtin.edu.au being only the 4th most relevant
• Search Curtin university AND Gecko : 49 results
• Advanced search narrowing search to .edu domains: search was not possible with Copernic Basic.
• Searching using multiple Boolean operators; ie: Curtin AND university AND gecko produced 37 results.

The first 2 or 3 results in Copernic were sponsors sites. However, on revisiting the search results, the sponsor’s sites had been removed leaving only 36 results) . This left only the most relevant sites.

Based on the above,  I would feel more comfortable using Copernic search for more research related topics

Searching the Web

Entered my name (as “Stephen Hasling”)  into the Google search bar. 9 hits. (including originally omitted Quite surprising). Luckily most of them related to Facebook, with the others being my blogs or my name appearing muy fellow “classmate’s” blogs.

However there was a message at the bottom of the results page advising that some results had been omitted. When I clicked on this to include omitted results, there were 143 hits. Again, the results related to either Facebook, my blog or my name in other people’s blogs.

I then used Copernic to do the exact same search. It revealed no results that included my name. There were several results with similar (well sort of) names scuh as Stephen Hawking.

Even though Copernic was set up to use at least 3 search engines, no results were shown from either Google or Facebook entries.

Tools for using the Web

The study notes provided a list of suggested programs and tools that may be useful in researching the assignment.
As I had previously downloaded most of them, such as Windows Media Player, Real Player, Quicktime, Adobe Reader, I decided to download a few of the tools I had not previously used:

1. Copernic Meta for PC
2. Page Sucker

Copernic searches multiple databases and search engines for the requested information. This tool will definitely come in handy for assignment research.

Page Sucker is an interesting tool. It is a Java program that allows you to download web pages to your hard drive for viewing off-line. There could possibly be breaches of copyright with this program, as the original authors may not have give permission to download their material.
If I was to design and publish a web site, I would certainly have second thoughts about allowing users to be able to download my web pages (including my code) without my consent. This would be particular concerning if I had published original research material or have developed new code. One could consider such a tool in the same way as a site such as Napster that allows you to download music content without seeking the authors consent.

Web 2.0 Task – Blog v html

Choosing between the Diigo NET11 site and html site would depend on how I was wanting to use the information contained in both sites.
The Diigo site appears to be a random collection of bookmarked blogs that may have information relating to the NET11 Communications course.
However, the setup of the blogs made it difficult to ascertain their substance without actually clicking into and reading each of the blogs. The blogs range from postings by students from previous semesters to very useful articles on topics relevant to the course.
However, it was only when I sorted the blogs by TAGS that I was able to locate why some of these blogs were relevant.
On the positive side, the set up of the Diigo site was defintely more “user friendly” and the ability to sort the information made it easier and quicker to locate the relevant articles.

The html site appeared to be simply a list of links that were in no particular order.
It would take some time to locate the link that you required, but if using this site for research, I found it to be more relevant to the course material than the Diigo site.
In part this was due to the fact that the description of the links were more relevant to the subject matter.
As mentioned above, a negative would be that it is impossible to sort this data. Therefore it is more time consuming to read each link description in order to work out if it relates to you topic. For example, links relating to Web 2.0 are located throughout the site.

Enjoyed the video on Web 2.0 by Stephen Fry.

Blogging – my thoughts

Prior to commencing this course,  I had little or no idea about blogging. My assumption was that a blog was simply like an on-line diary where you wrote your personal thoughts.

While this is true to some extent, I now realise that the blogging world is so much more than just simple personal notes to one’s self.

My initial ventures into this area were strictly business like, as if I was writing a business e-mail, or simply directly answering the questions posed in each module.

Now after only a few weeks, I have to admit that I am somewhat addicted.  I have been reading  a vast array of blogs from the current situation in Western China to amusing anecdotes on computer stupidities.

After reading the course material (and from my own so far limited evaluation) it is apparent that blogging gives every user the opportunity to have a “voice” on any subject that may be of interest to them. Or, thay may enter groups where people with common interests can share thoughts and ideas.

The informal nature of blogging can sometimes be confusing. For instance, if reading a blog on a serious issue, how creditable is the author? How accurate are their facts that they may present? ( If no links to more creditable new sources – such as AAP, CNN ect are provided). Am I reading this blog looking for facts, or just an opinion? Or should I read the more official news sites instead.

I have also heard in the news that several blog sites relating to the current situations in Iran and Western China have been”taken down” or censored by govt. authorities. This, I believe, is a major problem with blogs. Your writings are open to world wide scrutiny.  Your published thoughts or opinions may be considered offensive to other readers.

However, on a lighter note, the flip side of the above are those blogs that are amusing or informative. Where anecdotes or ideas can be shared and passed on to other members and beyond.

Since commencing this module, and learning about html, I have also been exploring blogs relating to this subject. I have picked up so many hints and tips that I have am using in my programming practice.

I will definitely continue to read and contribute to blogs (or the next evolution) long after I have completed this course!

Legal Issues – Copyright

Task questions from NET11 – Module 3 -  WWW Standards (Curtin University of Technology – 2009)

1) “Have you used images or words on your web page or website that contravene copyright laws?”

No, not at this stage. But one must consider plagiarism, copyright and IP (Intellectual Property) infringement laws prior to the use of what may be deemed as being owned by another party.

2) “Would you be in breach of copyright if you put the Curtin logo at the top of your web page for an assignment?”

According to the PDF brochure “A quick guide to Copyright for curtin students” issued by Curtin University – Legal & Compliance Services – September 2006, Click here to read, under Fair Dealing provisions it is permissable to:

“Copy and communicate any material in which Curtin owns the copyright (except confidential papers ect)”.

Based on the above, I would not be in breach of copyright laws if I copied the Curtin logo to my assignment page as it would be deemed as research or study.

However, if my web page contained advertising ect that may be generating income for my personal benefit, this may be a different matter as the logo may been seen as being used for commercial gain. Therefore, copyright laws would apply if permission had not been granted before doing so.

Another thought: My blog automatically generates links to “possibly related posts”. This is out of my control. How do I know that links to these posts do not contain advertising?

Further, as per section 5.2.2 of Curtin University’s Logo Use Procedures: (http://policies.curtin.edu.au/Logo Use Procedures)

“The University logo is an unalterable registered trademark, and improper or unauthorised use is regarded as a breach of these procedures”.

I would therefore, also need to ensure that, if copying the Curtin logo, it must be an unaltered copy.

Looking at it another way, if I was to place the Curtin logo on an assignment prepared by me, it could then be interpreted by a third party as being an officially authorised document that had been prepared and sanctioned by Curtin University, when in fact this would not be the case, unless prior permission had been granted.

As I am not authorised to prepare documentation on behalf of Curtin University, I would NOT be prepared to take this risk.

After reading the comments on the discussion board, the area of copyright can be very tricky indeed. In my opinion it is better to be safe than sorry.

It is also important,when creating your designs, logos ect for your web site to register them as quickly as possible.

Standards Task – Top 5 rules for writing online

After reading all of the material provided in the links from the course notes, I believe that the top 5 rules for writing on the web are as follows:

1. Be Concise – Ge t the point quickly and try only the relevant information where ever possible. Also ensure that all relevant information is kept to one page.  Users will not read pages and pages of data if they cannot find the info they are looking for. If there is more information/detail required, create a link that the user can navigate to and print off to read at a later date.
2. Make pages scannable – Include lists, bold fonts and meaningful sub headings to highlight relevant points. Again users will become frustrated if they cannot find their information quickly. This is especially important if they have navigated in via a link  another site.
3. Use a “top down” (inverted pyramid) approach – In other words ensure that the important information is summarised up front, followed by the details and background information.  This ensures that you catch the reader’s attention immediately. If the reader is interested/attracted, they will then  take the time to read the rest of the item presented.
4. Use hypertext / links thoughfully – Ensure that your hypertext links are meaningful. Users want to be able to quickly navigate directly to the information they require.  Use a “Home” button on each of your pages to assist users in returning to the main points of interest. Also , as mentioned in point 1 above, if there is additional data on your subject matter, the creation of a link to this material will allow the user to navigate to it a print it off for reading at a later date. Note: Avoid excessive use of links. This will only confuse the reader who may use one of the links to navigate out of your site, then be too confused or distracted to return.
5. Keep your design simple - Consider that the use of large graphics, frames and animations will only slow down the loading of your page for users with slower connections. This may discourage visitors from returning to your site. Over use of multimedia on your page may also distract visitors from the important material contained in the text. Again, if you have important multimedia material, create a thumbnail and hypertext link to the full version.

References:

Web Teaching Articles – Writing for the Web. (Dartmouth Collecge) September 2003

Writing Web Pages  – Top 5 Conventions (Dennis G Jerz)

How to write for the web (Full Paper) – ( John Morkes & Jacob Nielsen) 1997

Is the advice in Nielsen’s paper — written in 1997 – still current?

Yes, I believe it is. In fact with the onset of blogs ect, if fell that it is more current than ever. When contributing to a general discussion group/ blog ect, it is most important (I feel) to get to the point quickly. Other members of that group are not interested in reading an essay type post, unless it provides useful data and is easy to read.

Web 2.0 – Glocalization

Coming from a logistics background, I am very familiar with the term globalisation, but glocalisation? What is this?

According to Wikipedia, the term glocalization is a merger of globalization and localization, in other words, “thinking globally, but acting locally”. (Wikipedia, 2009).

Glocalization applies to the new and emerging Web 2.0, where the user takes information from the web and then adds or contibutes to it further.  In other words, the web is no longer a medium for viewing and referencing material.

By way of the introduction of blogs, groups, discussion boards ect, the WWW is now a truly “interactive’ medium where users not only reference material, but also contribute, comment, share ideas and have the news sent to them!

A recent example has been the passing of Michael Jackson (MJ) and the outpouring of emotions expressed by his fans.  Just to give one example, the view count for almost every MJ music video on YouTube doubled, if not tripled, within minutes/hours of the news of his passing, with thousands upon thousand of viewers from all around the world leaving personal tributes in the comments section for each video. In my humble opinion, Truly amazing!

I look forward to future developments in this new interactive world.

General – Chat with fellow students 4/7/09

Finally met up with quite a few of my fellow NED11 students on Saturday via MSN group chat. I have used MSN previously, but had never used the group chat function. Very useful. I would like to try an use this more often in a work environment if possible. Saves having to write e-mails to several parties, the waiting for the replies one by one.

Some of the students located overseas were good enough to join us. Raj from Brazil, Laura from Canada.

Also learnt more about mIRC, Taraeta is a whiz in this area. However, it seems quite antiquated now. Would much prefer the more user friendly MSN.

Unfortunately my recent jobs did not allow us to use chat functions. Therefore, I feel like I am now having to catch up with the most recent advances in this area.

I still have a lot to learn in relation to some of my fellow students, but this subject is excellent. Exactly what I was hoping for (and more).