I’m really hopped up on the idea of the ubicamera that takes ubipictures. There are already hints of ubiquitous visual coverage with this “mutually assured flickering” whackiness of getting coverage of the same moment from a variety of perspectives. It happens, of course, with tagging concensus for events and so for…

Recently, I collaborated with Carolyn Strauss on a proposal for a new messaging architecture inspired by the notion of slowness. Instead of being just another fast- paced communication tool, this concept introduces an aesthetic that encourages a more reflective interaction with our messages. By creating a system that allows for a gradual arrival of communications, we can foster anticipation and mindfulness in our digital exchanges. Through ambient visualization and thoughtful design, we can transform how we engage with our overflowing inboxes, making the process more pleasant and manageable.

The recent thesis presentations by the 3rd year Interactive Media Division students showcased a wealth of creativity, but one project, in particular, captured my thoughts: Erin Dinehart’s mobile game, 'Journey of Jin.' This game stands out not just for its stunning graphics but for its unique take on mobility, described by Erin as a 'Mobile Distraction Portal.' It offers players a chance to immerse themselves in a world where they can escape the mundane, reflecting on the nature of movement and distraction in our daily lives. While it may lack traditional elements of mobility like GPS and sensors, it excels in tapping into the essence of casual gaming, inviting players to lose themselves in a delightful digital realm.

The post reflects on the high costs associated with attending the ACM SIGCHI 2006 conference, highlighting the frustrations of researchers like Anne Galloway, who plans to crash the event. The author shares their own disheartening experience from a previous workshop they organized, where despite their efforts, they still faced hefty fees. This commentary raises questions about the fairness of funding in academia and the sacrifices made by those who contribute to the field.

Nicolas Nova, who will be joining us at the Networked Publics Conference, points to a International Herald Tribute article on user generated content. (Recently, there was an article in the NYT on a similar topic.)

I’ve only started doing this blogging bit for a short while, after a few fitful starts. It’s hear because I need a research notebook, and I’m feeling good about making my inscriptions public (if you count the handful of people who skim this a public, why not?).

This two-day event will bring together new media scholars and practitioners to exhibit and discuss the roles of audiences, activists, and producers in maturing networked media ecologies. The event is organized by the Networked Publics fellowship program (netpublics.annenberg.edu) at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg Center for Communication.

Reflecting on Yochai Benkler's insights, we find ourselves pondering the architecture of culture. The traditional top-down structures no longer serve us; instead, we must embrace a model that celebrates the clusters of creativity and connection among individuals. These clouds of cultural production offer a more nuanced understanding of how meaning circulates, allowing us to envision a future shaped by collective imagination and shared experiences. In this dynamic landscape, everyone has a role in weaving the fabric of culture, crafting a harmonious existence filled with possibility.

I’m liking this Theory Object business more and more.