Filtering

Filtering is a hot topic in new media considering that the previous model of dispersing entertainment usually had a good number of gate keepers that would allow for some, but not most. Now, there is an infinite abundance of choices that leave consumers with more options but perhaps in an overwhelming fashion. Shirky describes how filtering does help in his scenario of turning a bookstore’s contents on a football field and filtering through the nonsense while stumbling on the classics (Shirkey, ch.4). He notes that filtering does eliminate the mediocre, and audiences appreciate that convenience. Although, I have seen quite a few bad movies that I really wish were lost in the filtering. Shirkey believes that much of the new filters today are actually influencers, or people in the new media realm that have an influence over the information that is presented. No longer do audiences only have the option to see what the television news or printed papers present, but they have their own options and a plethora of avenues to obtain information online. I like the way Shirkey writes, it’s both an interesting twist on his real life scenarios plus a dose of education you may not believe you were receiving.

The user generated content available online left the question in class of who are these users writing for, taking video for, and taking pics for if they are posted online for everyone to see. Well, seeing that I blog, write notes on facebook, post status updates relentlessly, comment on pics, post YouTube videos, and Tweet like a maniac…I can say that I actually do love the attention. I like seeing when I have new followers (though I am FAR more reluctant to add people to my Facebook profile). I love seeing comments on my blogs and Youtube videos. I did a Youtube video of the Memphis Flood back in May and it got picked up by CBS. Within 24hrs, the video had over 3,000 hits on YouTube. I was shocked when I discovered this, but at the same time my hard work of reporting really did pay off. I met my individual deadline and I really got the payoff for it…and yes, that is why I posted it online. I’ll call it my self admitted attention seeking self, but at least being open about it is far less worse than denying there is no bone in my body that hopes people watch my videos, comment on my pics or statuses, and communicate with me on my online world. I have learned over time, though, that not every detail of a person’s life is either important or necessary for all to know.

Anderson notes that the power of collective intelligence has allowed for us to measure the consumption that is occurring in this new new media present (Anderson, ch.7). The new tastemakers, as he notes, have not only pushed for greater production and diversification but have also given a push for the Long Tail to receive more notice from the general public.