Information and Networks- Blog 2

When we first started this discussion, I was confused on which law I agreed the most with. In class I thought I agreed more with Reed's law, but after doing some research on my own I think I now agree more with Matcalfe's law. The wikipedia dictionary for the law is as follows, "Metcalfe's law states that the value of a telecommunications network is proportional to the square of the number of connected users of the system (n²)." (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metcalfe's_law) That seems really complicated, but when you break it down it really makes a lot of sense to me. Basically, the value of the network will grow with the square size of the network. We talked about it in class with numbers and it really helped me. If a network had 2 machines it would be 2 to the 2nd power or 4. If it had 10 machines it would be 10 to the 2nd power or 100, therefore giving it more influence. I agree most with this law because as a communication major we have learned so much about getting our product out there and how important it is to strategically place it in certain places/parts of the internet. Therefore proving in my mind that with more capabilities, machines, users, etc. comes even more capabilities, machines and users. An example would be looking at cultures. Certain parts of America, like New York City has more machines and it reaches more people. Places in West Virginia does not and they don't reach more people. 

I think in five years the way we get our information will be more readily available and look cooler, but will still basically be the same process as it is now. I don't personally believe we will see drastic changes in the way we get our information. However, I do think it will look a lot cooler, holograms will be a popular thing, and that the information will be even more controlled than it is now. IN 15 years though, I believe that we will have some sort of microchips inserted in us (basically like a cell phone) and you brain will be able to control it just like your thumbs do now. 

Why We Blog- Assignment 1

I thought this article was very interesting and provided a lot of insight on why people blog. I personally have my own blog that I have shared as a catharsis, as commentary, and as a community forum. I started blogging when on a trip to Guatemala and got a great response. After getting my words out there and receiving so much support I decided to start my personal blog. I was going through a tragedy and writing helped me communicate my feelings to my loved ones while also healing myself. My blog has provided a source of life for me and an outlet much like a diary. Additionally, I have been able to give people public thanks and avoid the unbearably long Facebook posts that no one wants to read or see on their news feed.

I think that this article is important because it shows all of the different purposes of blogging and can help us to understand the 21st century human better. Throughout time writing has been one of the biggest human connectors. I believe that blogging is very impressive in the fact that everyone and anyone can share their thoughts and commentary. I have seen many people accomplish social movements, heal through a tragic time, get a job, or even keep in touch with family through blogs.

Throughout the world there are so many stories to be told. It is unrealistic to think that every single story can be published and even if it could, not every story would be read. It would take a lot of time and energy for nothing. This way people can tell their story without all the hassle and provide it to an audience that actually loves them and wants to hear what they have to say.

First Blog