Reading Assignment #1

This reading was very informative about something I never knew too much about. It delves into the world of counterfeit or fake websites that give what the article calls, “disinformation” to viewers. Most of them tend to be for comical purposes, while others attempt to be so real that many misconstrue them as authentic websites. The reading even gives one account of a site seeming to be so real that a trade group contacted the site’s creators to see if they would give a presentation on the World Trade Organization. The site sponsors sent a Dr. Bichlbauer who gave the trade group a presentation they were not exactly looking to hear. A serious quarrel ensued and the representative of the site was hit with a pie. This shows the serious effects these so called comical sites can cause. The reading discusses the impact of these sites on the daily news, and how we must be careful to find trustworthy sources. It is vital to look into the creators of websites we view and trust to make sure they are legit and not trying to accomplish their own agenda. This news disinformation stems out past politics and daily routines, stretching even into entertainment where sites give fake endings to movies and phony plot lines. This has enormous implications with the production teams of these shows and movies, as their sales and ratings would go down if many people view sites giving away false information.

After reading this, I have grown aware of a lot of bad things that are out there on the internet. I knew about counterfeit websites, but I had no idea it was this vast and threatening underworld. I think the worst part about all of this is that innocent people that are simply curious about a subject can be so easily misguided by these sites without even knowing what they are viewing is false. I’m sure some of these sites are humorous and I can understand that but I think many of them take it too far. I don’t understand why anyone would want to spend so much time and effort making something that is not even real and try to pass it off as a legitimate source of information. It doesn’t really make any sense to me. I just hope that somehow we can find a way to stop these sites from going up and keep the mass of internet users from seeing them.

News Report #1

"3D is Coming to a Living Room Near You"
Marguerite Reardon, CNN
1/15/09
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/01/15/3d.tv/index.html?eref=rss_tech


This CNN article, by Marguerite Reardon, discusses the innovation of three dimensional televisions. With the recent use of 3-D in movies and entertainment, TV manufacturers are looking to come up with the best way to bring this to television sets. This is a move to boost new TV sales, as the growth in sales has declined this year. Most big manufacturers (Sony, Samsung, and Panasonic) are looking to have three dimensional TVs by the end of 2009. While 3-D has never been seen as a true improvement of the quality of what is being watched, as with movies, these manufacturers are looking to enhance this classic gimmick with new technology and more special effects to maximize the potential for 3-D TVs. Ms. Reardon wrote of her own account looking at Panasonic’s version of this innovative television experience, and said it was “phenomenal.” The user has to wear special glasses that make whatever you are watching seem very realistic. This three dimensional television idea seems to be a pretty important one and something that manufacturers hope will not only make them some money, but revolutionize the television industry.
I personally do not think too highly of three dimensional entertainment. I think that it is just a gimmick for people to sell something that may or may not actually enhance the viewing experience. Until I see one of these 3-D TVs and experience it for myself, I will remain skeptical that this new innovation will ever truly catch on across mainstream America. The article admitted there will not be technology advanced enough to have 3-D television without glasses for about ten more years. The picture shown of the customers watching the 3-D television looked very goofy and I just can’t picture myself sitting in my living room watching TV with those on. However I hope these new televisions prove me wrong in 2009, and mark a huge success in the industry. I am always one for new innovations that improve already great technology, and it will be very interesting to see what will happen in the coming years with 3-D televisions.

my first post

My name is Jimmy and I go to UNCW.