leon a. james’ Neighborhood

Stewart Readings

B
Nov 27, 2007
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"...like blood in a syringe, to infuse new life..."

Cultural Poesis/Ordinary Affects

I really liked this set of readings. It made me think of my research in Second Life. I noticed myself jotting down many notes...enjoying the style of writing as poetic. The idea of emergence...emergence coming from my research. A feeling that I try to capture sometimes in photos or texts yet they somehow lose something in the process. Or maybe it's because the feeling has vanished....Not sure. Maybe that's why machinima might work best for me. It can help keep the feeling around a little longer. The texts took me through a journey of the "ordinary" somehow bringing me back to the earth....I like how the texts created illustrations in my mind...it felt like mental excercises to break some of the confusion....or like when someone is working on something for too long and then they can't see anymore. When reading some of the texts it brought back memories of my ordinary. Especially in "Still Life." Words about painting, hitchcock, and old love letters stuffed in a box.

***

"Conversations would gather around the event and spin off into other questions such as the overpopulation of deer, hunting regulations, and the new law that legalized riding without a helmet." 1032

I always struggle with questions spinning into other questions but it's not overwhelming it's just part of the process...another layer of the story.

I was thinking to myself it would be crazy to highlight everything...instead I thought of some ideas while reading. If I could show the piece of paper with my left-handed chicken scratch it would be funny.

Some of them...

take a closer look, details, thoughts, free-flow, moments, people like recipes (for life), "ordinary affects is an experiment, not a judgment." pressure points, forms of attention and attachment.

I really enjoyed the stuff regarding the body as a consumer/being consumed. "The body surges forward, gets on track, gets sidetracked, falls down, pulls itself up to crawl on hands and knees, flies through the air, hits a wall, regroups, or a beats a retreat. It knows itself as states of vitality, exhaustion, and renewal." 1036

It goes on to talk about Body for Life and the chat forums. That reminded me of conversations I have had in SL with one person I have met while starting my research. He always struggles with the idea of SL/RL and sometimes I feel like i'm counseling him or giving him dialogue about the matter. It's interesting for me too because it's questions that often come up for me when i'm researching...questions that I can bring up outside of the classroom.

"Wow these people build so many things...do they have a RL?" "Why doesn't that person want to talk abou RL?" "Why is RL such a bad thing?"

Perfect timing for these readings. Really inspiring. While reading I was imagining Henry Rollins...tough guy giving REAL TALK...

It's better in person....

http://www.angelfire.com/ut/inorbit/rollw.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Rollins

Caché (Hidden) by Michael Hanecke (2005)

B
Nov 25, 2007
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**Spoilers**

This film had many experiments starting from the beginning. The long take outside of the Laurent home...I didn't get it at first and then realized that my eyes were acting as surveillance. I began watching the screen eager to see what was happening next. After a while I saw a rewind effect and noticed that I was watching something that was pre-recorded. Hanecke continues his experiments by showing the tapes to the viewer in different ways. Through a television while the husband and wife watch their lives on tape (this becomes a ritual), through a typical shot that could appear to be a scene within the narrative structure (but is actually another tape). Hanecke questions the idea of surveillance by mashing together everyday life with the tapes/pictures that the family is receiving. I also see Georges profession as a television personality to be an example of surveillance in turn capturing his activity/life.

The tapes, pictures, and public persona begin to create tension for Georges and his family. The tapes remind him of lost memories...they become apart of his dreams....he begins to question his identity and his past relationships with his adopted brother....The title of the film begins to make more sense. Caché. Hidden beyond the tapes....unearthing hidden parts of the family....hidden parts of Georges. The idea of quiet (no score) within the film adds to the layers. Surveillance, human activity, tracking, race relations, memory, prejudice, and representation.

The idea of what lies "off camera" is extremely important because at the end it was unclear who sent the tapes. The last scene ends in the same style as the first scene. A long take outside of the school that Pierrot attends Things become full circle. My eyes begin to survey but this time i'm aware of it. What is left out of the story? What is edited out of the frame and why? These ideas reflect back on the title of the film and the brilliant decisions that Hanecke made in order to convey what is often edited or left out of the everyday frame. Despite the loaded themes within the film I still found it to have a meditative quality. It also helped in hashing out some of the lecture on Nov. 20th.

Encounters/Refinement of Research Question

B
Nov 14, 2007
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Encounters

My encounters on SL about machinima have been positive. I noticed that it’s been really helpful to talk to anyone about it. A lot of the avatars I talk to I heard about from other people in machinima groups or through a person that I talked to casually on SL who referred me to a site or an avatar because they knew that I was researching the topic. I noticed that the machinima chat groups have been really informative for answering basic questions about machinima/technical questions. Since I am new to the programs used and the techniques it has been really great to spark a conversation and have the avatars that are online/interested partake. Everyone is doing something different! Some people do machinima for fun on SL, others own production companies in RL and do it with a collective, other people use it for education, etc...

I have been really happy to talk to HVX SILVERSTAR who is based out of UCD…I hope to continue a relationship with her on SL and volunteer at the machinima institute. I like that she is using machinima within the academic sphere. She mentioned intellectual property rights and how filmmakers can retain them in SL. Her interest in live broadcasting which could possibly relate to the tool that I proposed for the class. She mentioned service learning proposals out of San Jose state University which I would like to find out more about. HVX’s SL work interests me because it spills into RL through grants and the work that she does as a teacher.

I started out wanting to learn about machinima from a practicing filmmaker. My focus seems to have shifted into the machinima institute and the work that HVX has described. I would also like to find a way to promote the institute. I feel like some audiences that are involved with machinima do not know that it exists. Initially I wanted to get on a production team but I noticed that production on SL is hard to get into. People seem to do it alone and not have an entourage like RL. Well…I guess that’s not always true…I shoot alone usually but I was expecting to be able to jump into it and just get on a team. Not finding many teams/rigorous shooting schedules on SL. Still messaging people and still trying to keep my options open. Instead I think my participation could be as a volunteer at the machinima institute. I want to look into it…

Also talked to Dash and might submit a RL film just because to see how that works in the world of SL. Not sure if this will help in my research but it might down the road

Also…I also want to find some texts to use for my analysis dealing with “communities of practice”/maybe texts dealing with online education. Still trying to refine everything but my interest/research has definitely shifted since last month. I feel like i'm starting to engage in something that is interesting and refined.

Machinima Class 11.10

B
Nov 14, 2007
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Link to the log from the intro machinima class on 11.10

http://sleeds.org/chatlog/?c=174

Various Chats November

B
Nov 14, 2007
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Lots of interesting stuff happening this month. Met HVX Silverstar and she has talked with me about various things that peak my interest.

11.7

[19:05] Mirra Fredriksson: hey dash do you remember me?
[19:06] Dash Renoir: hi
[19:06] Mirra Fredriksson: we talked about machinima once
[19:06] Mirra Fredriksson: i'm a researcher
[19:06] Dash Renoir: yes
[19:06] Mirra Fredriksson: how does one submit work to mmac?
[19:07] Dash Renoir: i have an open booking policy
[19:07] Dash Renoir: i accept shorts anytime
[19:07] Dash Renoir: just need a quicktime file or link to downloadable at file....
[19:08] Dash Renoir: prefer 15fps 352x240 rez
[19:08] Mirra Fredriksson: cool. do you decide when it plays?
[19:09] Dash Renoir: yes
[19:09] Dash Renoir: it's usually put in cinema SL for on demand viewing & similarly @ www.TheFilmLink.com
[19:10] Mirra Fredriksson: what is cinema sl a venue? and how long does it stay up?
[19:11] Dash Renoir: yes The Film Link Screening Room cinema in on the second level in the MMAC
[19:11] Mirra Fredriksson: are there any night dedicated to shorts?
[19:12] Mirra Fredriksson: that you know of....or dedicated to machinima
[19:12] Dash Renoir: there is shorts discussion event on wednesdays
[19:12] Mirra Fredriksson: at MMAC?
[19:13] Dash Renoir: yes ...
[19:13] Dash Renoir: excuse for a few...
[19:13] Dash Renoir: need to do some show chores
[19:13] Mirra Fredriksson: ok
[19:28] Mirra Fredriksson: dash dont waant to bother you but where can i send the quicktime when i get it together
[19:28] Dash Renoir: submits@TheFilmLink.com
[19:30] Mirra Fredriksson: ok thanks...we will talk soon

[[19:13] Geuis Dassin: hey guys, quick thing if you use the 3DConnexion space navigator. If you have any problems with it behaving erratically, update your drivers and reboot. Recalbrate the controller too.
[19:14] Mirra Fredriksson: hey geuis do you know of any machinima events in sl?
[19:15] Mirra Fredriksson: or does anyone?
[19:15] Agnesa Capalini: HVX Silverstar is giving a beginning machinima class this Saturday, 10am-12 SL time
[19:16] Mirra Fredriksson: oh cool agnesa...can you IM me with the info?
[19:16] Geuis Dassin: none that I know, but ask Moo Money. She's definitely on top of that
[19:17] Mirra Fredriksson: thanks geuis
[19:20] Agnesa Capalini: Mirra, its going to be located at the Machinima Institute, ALA Arts In, Infoisland (217,178'
[19:21] Mirra Fredriksson: thanks agnesa. do i have to sign up?
[19:21] Agnesa Capalini: I don't think you have to sign up, but she may want to make sure you have what's necessary load on your PC
[19:23] Agnesa Capalini: hello Mirra, are you there?
[19:23] Mirra Fredriksson: i have a mac does that matter?
[19:24] Agnesa Capalini: my pc keeps giving me error messages ...hope you are hearing me
[19:24] Mirra Fredriksson: me too
[19:25] Mirra Fredriksson: do you do machinima?
[19:25] Agnesa Capalini: I'm just starting to learn
[19:26] Mirra Fredriksson: very cool
[19:26] Geuis Dassin: anyone have a technical explanation for what direct zoom in the flycam is doing to the camera?
[19:26] Robertz Sparrow: I've been doing Machinima for 5 years!, always good fun
[19:27] Mirra Fredriksson: wow robertz thats a long time ...i am researching it trying to look more...
[19:27] Geuis Dassin: rob, what platform did you get started in?
[19:27] Mirra Fredriksson: good question
[19:28] Robertz Sparrow: Ah cool, i started around when medal of honour came
[19:28] Robertz Sparrow: then bf1942
[19:28] Robertz Sparrow: going with Rooster teeth to the game convention PAX in seatle next year to promote Machinima there
[19:28] Robertz Sparrow: setting up a panel
[19:28] Robertz Sparrow: just been to the Machinima Awards, which was excellent!
[19:29] Geuis Dassin: I just got my nomination letter in the mail yesterday
[19:29] Geuis Dassin: didnt even know they were sending one.
[19:29] Agnesa Capalini: wonderful
[19:29] Robertz Sparrow: for what comp?
[19:29] Geuis Dassin: You Hypocrite You
[19:29] Mirra Fredriksson: robertz would you say machinima is really active here?
[19:30] Robertz Sparrow: Not as much as it could be
[19:30] Geuis Dassin: was up for the commercial category
[19:30] Robertz Sparrow: example is the machinima section of the fourms
[19:30] Mirra Fredriksson: was it ever?
[19:31] Robertz Sparrow: i've not been in SL from the begining to say how it used to be
[19:31] Mirra Fredriksson: ok
[19:31] Robertz Sparrow: i film in other games atm - www.litfusefilms.com - if you want to have a look or if it helps in your report
[19:32] Robertz Sparrow: SL atm i find a tad laggy and hard to film in places
[19:32] Robertz Sparrow: but i dunno, might be me
[19:32] Mirra Fredriksson: in all machinima is it never possible for others to see what one is filming?
[19:32] Agnesa Capalini: no, I don't its you....we
[19:32] Robertz Sparrow: like live?
[19:32] Agnesa Capalini: we're all having problems with the lag
[19:33] Mirra Fredriksson: yea live
[19:33] Robertz Sparrow: well you can use programs as wirecast
[19:33] Robertz Sparrow: to broadcast live of what you're viewing on your screen
[19:33] Robertz Sparrow: but i only see the point of that for live news or interviews
[19:33] Agnesa Capalini: does it cost a lot
[19:34] Mirra Fredriksson: where does it broadcast?
[19:34] Robertz Sparrow: to a private server you can host/buy
[19:34] Geuis Dassin: hmm, usually the recording part isn't something most people would find interesting. I find I cut out at least 50-75% of the raw video I capture
[19:34] Mirra Fredriksson: i think it would be cool to see what people are filming if you are with them on the pot
[19:34] Robertz Sparrow: yeah, i film with fraps, and as Geuis said, most of it is cut out at the final edit
[19:34] Mirra Fredriksson: like if its a collab
[19:34] Robertz Sparrow: well you got to take in lag
[19:35] Robertz Sparrow: and programs running in the background
[19:35] Mirra Fredriksson: spot*
[19:35] Geuis Dassin: actually mirra, I have a prototype device that lets you share your camera view with others
[19:35] Geuis Dassin: live
[19:35] Matthew Kidomen: you say you cut so much percentage, do you story board your videos ahead of time?
[19:35] Geuis Dassin: its pretty lag-free
[19:36] Robertz Sparrow: yeah Matthew
[19:36] Matthew Kidomen: and you still toss so much. wow.
[19:36] Robertz Sparrow: plan for extras and sets
[19:36] Mirra Fredriksson: oh thats cool geuis...what is that?
[19:36] Geuis Dassin: mat, even with a storyboard, alot of the video is start/stops, SL hiccups, etc
[19:36] Robertz Sparrow: well some shots can be long or shots you don't really need or errors
[19:36] Robertz Sparrow: i work in the film industry in real life
[19:36] Robertz Sparrow: is my job
[19:37] Robertz Sparrow: stuff they scribble off the board is amazing, due to costs/types of shots etc
[19:37] RamessesIII Pharaoh: Geuis, which drivers, the £DConnexions or the thrid part driver? TO get flycam working in new veiwer?
[19:37] Robertz Sparrow: same for SL filming really
[19:37] Geuis Dassin: I dont really have a name for it Mirra. Im thinking of making it into a tour guide type system, but have thought it has filming potentials
[19:37] Matthew Kidomen: are you able to make joystick mode work?
[19:37] Geuis Dassin: ram, I was referring to the standard 3d connexion drivers
[19:38] RamessesIII Pharaoh: Ok thanks
[19:38] Mirra Fredriksson: good idea geuis
[19:38] Geuis Dassin: I dont use the 3rd party drivers
[19:38] RamessesIII Pharaoh: oh
[19:38] RamessesIII Pharaoh: ?
[19:38] Geuis Dassin: you mean the 3rd party drivers for the spacenavigator?
[19:38] RamessesIII Pharaoh: yes
[19:39] Geuis Dassin: yeah I dont use them. I get by just fine with the company-supported drivers
[19:39] RamessesIII Pharaoh: I had to use them to get it work on mine in SL
[19:39] Geuis Dassin: win or mac?
[19:39] Matthew Kidomen: Robertz......are you able to make joystick mode work?
[19:39] Mirra Fredriksson: do you guys show your machinima in sl?
[19:39] Robertz Sparrow: yeah
[19:39] RamessesIII Pharaoh: MInd you that was ahile ago maybe i dont need them now either
[19:39] Robertz Sparrow: i use a 360 style controller
[19:39] RamessesIII Pharaoh checks the website....
[19:40] Robertz Sparrow: is a speed link
[19:40] Matthew Kidomen: I don't know what that is?
[19:40] Geuis Dassin: hey rob, have you tried the space navigator? I bought it last month on moo's recommendation
[19:41] Mirra Fredriksson: there should be machinima meetings in sl
[19:41] Anya Ristow: The new drivers work fine. Two links...
[19:41] Anya Ristow: http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Flycam
[19:41] Robertz Sparrow: no, what im using is perfect
[19:41] Anya Ristow: http://teneverse.blogspot.com/2007/07/blog-post.html
[19:41] Robertz Sparrow: i'm using this for flycam -
[19:41] Robertz Sparrow: http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/3507653/Speed-Link-XBOX-360-Style-USB-Gamepad-For-Windows-With-Force-Vibration-Black/Product.html#
[19:42] Robertz Sparrow: been really good
[19:42] Geuis Dassin: nice. can't beat it for 15 pounds
[19:42] Matthew Kidomen: looking now
[19:42] Robertz Sparrow: aye, free delivery!
[19:42] Robertz Sparrow: bish bash bosh
[19:42] Matthew Kidomen: game pad
[19:42] Robertz Sparrow: yep
[19:42] Geuis Dassin: Ive been designing a flycam recorder too here in SL
[19:42] Matthew Kidomen: wow, I have this massive joy stick
[19:42] Geuis Dassin: it 95% works, just been ironing bugs out of the playback
[19:43] Matthew Kidomen: but canot get it to work
[19:43] Robertz Sparrow: lol matt
[19:43] Robertz Sparrow: Don't u use Fraps Geuis?
[19:43] Geuis Dassin: sure do
[19:43] Robertz Sparrow: aye
[19:43] RamessesIII Pharaoh: That would be good like a stored flight path
[19:43] Matthew Kidomen: live and learn. I guess the is the point of a Machinimatographers group
[19:44] Mirra Fredriksson: would any of you guys mind if I IMed you to ask questions while i'm researching?
[19:44] Geuis Dassin: yeah Ram. lots more flexibility than the existing Filming Path system
[19:44] Robertz Sparrow: Sure Mirra
[19:44] Geuis Dassin: who you writing for mirra?
[19:44] Mirra Fredriksson: thanks robertz
[19:45] Geuis Dassin: robertz, you involved in the Civil Protection series, or is that a separate HL2 project from what you are doing?
[19:45] Mirra Fredriksson: no one im a graduate student in new york...i study film and video in rl and wanted to research this for a class im taking called autoethnography
[19:46] Matthew Kidomen: I wonder if my playstation controller will work?
[19:46] Matthew Kidomen: it is USB I think
[19:46] Robertz Sparrow: That's a separate hl2 project, we do Combine Nation
[19:46] Robertz Sparrow: was asked to to the G-Man voices for it thou! lol
[19:46] Robertz Sparrow: for CP
[19:46] Geuis Dassin: interesting. autoethnology(looking up)
[19:46] Mirra Fredriksson: not ethnology ethnography
[19:46] Mirra Fredriksson: yea super interesting
[19:47] Geuis Dassin: I need to take some time later to watch your work
[19:47] Mirra Fredriksson: its a form of research anthropology based
[19:47] Mirra Fredriksson: do you guys have work online?
[19:48] Mirra Fredriksson: im thinking of showing my rl video work in sl...haven't made machinima yet
[19:48] Geuis Dassin: some of my previous films from early this year, http://mannea.blip.tv
[19:50] Mirra Fredriksson: i will look them up
[19:51] Mirra Fredriksson: this is lagging geuis
[19:51] Robertz Sparrow: I'm off lads and lasses
[19:51] Robertz Sparrow: take care all
[19:51] Geuis Dassin: later rob
[19:51] RamessesIII Pharaoh: OK, does anybody know of a camera tool that will switch between different avatars viewpoints , preferably using shortcut keys?
[19:51] Geuis Dassin: whats laggin?
[19:51] Mirra Fredriksson: bye robertz~
[19:51] Robertz Sparrow: bye
[19:51] Geuis Dassin: haha ram, lemme drop you another thiing Ive been working on
[19:51] Geuis Dassin: Ive been busy recently =)
[19:51] RamessesIII Pharaoh: You have thought of everything
[19:52] RamessesIII Pharaoh: It seems
[19:52] Mirra Fredriksson: yea geuis!
[19:53] RamessesIII Pharaoh: ooh new toy.....
[19:53] Mirra Fredriksson: Ram you have a mac or pc?
[19:53] RamessesIII Pharaoh: PC
[19:53] RamessesIII Pharaoh: well both
[19:53] RamessesIII Pharaoh: but mainly PC
[19:54] Mirra Fredriksson: i wonder which is better
[19:54] Mirra Fredriksson: i have a mac
[19:58] Matthew Kidomen: I just watched the Ignis Solus Machinima on YouTube. It was listed as "poor quality" video. It looked great.
[19:59] Matthew Kidomen: The editing was good, and the graphics wonderful, story line was thin. Still well done.
[19:59] Moriz Gupte: url/
[19:59] Moriz Gupte: url?
[20:00] Matthew Kidomen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pC_aGQyFETU
[20:00] Geuis Dassin: watch the Divx version. you'll see the difference
[20:00] Matthew Kidomen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pC_aGQyFETU
[20:00] Moriz Gupte: thanks
[20:01] Matthew Kidomen: the Dvix version is ......better?
[20:02] Geuis Dassin: a preschool drawing of the Mona Lisa done in yellow and red crayon and covered in glitter and elmer's glue would be a better version than Youtube
[20:02] Matthew Kidomen: What do you use to make the mouth move to match the words in "Combin Nation: Do your part."
[20:03] Geuis Dassin: robert left
[20:03] Matthew Kidomen: Is that Robert's work?
[20:03] Geuis Dassin: combine nation is, from what he said
[20:04] Matthew Kidomen: I wonder what he uses to capture his video?
[20:04] Geuis Dassin: fraps
[20:04] Matthew Kidomen: Fraps works very well.
[20:06] Mirra Fredriksson: does anyone use snapzpro is that bad?
[20:07] Geuis Dassin: thats one of the recommended programs for macs
[20:07] Geuis Dassin: FRAPS is windows
[20:08] Mirra Fredriksson: oh ok

[19:56] Mirra Fredriksson: where do you hang out on sl?
[19:59] Geuis Dassin: I generally just stay at my store area and build things
[19:59] Mirra Fredriksson: oh cool you have a store?
[20:00] Mirra Fredriksson: building seems interesting
[20:05] Mirra Fredriksson: geuis do you sell stuff at your store?
[20:06] Geuis Dassin: yah
[20:06] Mirra Fredriksson: what kinds of stuff
[20:09] Mirra Fredriksson: i just TPed there...what is this? haha
[20:09] Geuis Dassin: hmm?
[20:09] Geuis Dassin: variety of things
[20:09] Geuis Dassin: filming path is one of the main machinima tools most people use
[20:10] Geuis Dassin: camtp is a teleport toy
[20:10] Geuis Dassin: applause box is used for live events, so crowds can appaluse just by clicking. you can try the demo
[20:10] Geuis Dassin: boo box does the same thing, but for booing, beacon sends an slurl to someone by just saying their name
[20:10] Mirra Fredriksson: cool stuff
[20:10] Geuis Dassin: some eyewear I made, doesnt sell well
[20:11] Mirra Fredriksson: what does filming path do
[20:11] Geuis Dassin: and Motor Mouth is my most recent device, which listens to SLvoice and makes the avatar talk
[20:11] Mirra Fredriksson: hahah
[20:11] Mirra Fredriksson: cool
[20:11] Geuis Dassin: filming path is a camera dolly system
[20:11] Mirra Fredriksson: i dont really like the slvoice thing it freaks me out
[20:11] Mirra Fredriksson: it feels strange to hear peoples voices
[20:12] Geuis Dassin: if you watch the video there, that was a music video I made that was nominated at the european machinima festival
[20:12] Mirra Fredriksson: oh cool!
[20:12] Geuis Dassin: it uses filming path for certain camera moves
[20:13] Mirra Fredriksson: i will watch it
[20:13] Mirra Fredriksson: maybe i can meet your av?
[20:14] Mirra Fredriksson: who is this band?
[20:16] Geuis Dassin: its an Atlanta, GA band called What the ???
[20:16] Mirra Fredriksson: was this filmed in sl?
[20:16] Geuis Dassin: yep
[20:16] Mirra Fredriksson: its great
[20:17] Mirra Fredriksson: you must do video in rl
[20:18] Geuis Dassin: actually, I am a web designer
[20:18] Geuis Dassin: doing video is only amature
[20:18] Mirra Fredriksson: someone just came in here and then left
[20:18] Mirra Fredriksson: lol
[20:18] Geuis Dassin: yeah, that happens
[20:19] Mirra Fredriksson: when did you make that?
[20:19] Geuis Dassin: april I think
[20:19] Mirra Fredriksson: how long have you been doing this stuff?
[20:19] Geuis Dassin: about a year
[20:22] Mirra Fredriksson: do you mind if i ask how old you are?
[20:22] Mirra Fredriksson: im 26
[20:22] Geuis Dassin: 27
[20:22] Mirra Fredriksson: it seems like all age ranges do machinima
[20:24] Geuis Dassin: yah
[20:26] Mirra Fredriksson: well thanks for chatting with me...maybe next time we can chat in "person"
[20:27] Geuis Dassin: sure
[20:27] Mirra Fredriksson: cool i'll IM you soon once i brush up on basic stuff lol
[20:27] Geuis Dassin: sure thing
[20:27] Mirra Fredriksson: bye geuis

11.9

[12:40] Mirra Fredriksson: Hi I heard that you are giving a machinima class tomorrow and I am interested in coming...Can you give me more info?
[12:40] HVX Silverstar: Hi there... yes
[12:40] Mirra Fredriksson: Sorry was't sure if you are online...i'm Mirra a graduate student in New York and i'm researching machinima in SL
[12:40] HVX Silverstar: ALA Arts InfoIsland, Machinima Institute 179/150/31/ WHAT? Introduction to Machinima Session - Hands-on Using the built-in file start/stop movie to disk. We will be trying out the keyboard shortcuts and using the camera tool to set up and shoot short video clips. WHEN? Saturday, Nov. 10, 10:00 - 11:30 AM SLT WHERE? ALA Arts InfoIsland - 179, 150, 31 WHAT DO I NEED: SOFTWARE? You will need to have the latest version of Quicktime Player loaded on your computer: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/
[12:41] Mirra Fredriksson: Thank you
[12:41] Mirra Fredriksson: I heard the built in machinima doesn't work...is that true? I was going to dl snapzpro...
[12:41] HVX Silverstar: it will be basic... everyone trying to capture a clip using browser shortcuts etc
[12:42] HVX Silverstar: I gave you a notecard too
[12:42] Mirra Fredriksson: yes got the notecard...what exactly is the machinima institute?
[12:44] HVX Silverstar: it's a place that is on one of the Second Life Library partner islands.. I am one of the librarians and i provide intro sessions on machnima and teach for the Univ. of Il Urbana Champagne virtual world librarianship class.. so it is basic
[12:44] HVX Silverstar: Are you an educator or librarian?
[12:44] HVX Silverstar: You don't have to be.. just wondering. It's open to the public as all library services are here
[12:44] Mirra Fredriksson: I am a student at The New School University
[12:44] HVX Silverstar: I am looking for volunteers if you are interested
[12:45] HVX Silverstar: is that in NY? the music school?
[12:45] Mirra Fredriksson: It is in New York it's comprised of 7 schools the jazz school is one
[12:46] HVX Silverstar: cool... I knew one of the students last year.. I think he has transferred.. Colin Borges from Davis, CA.. jazz saxophone
[12:46] Mirra Fredriksson: Oh yes I see that your based in Davis
[12:46] HVX Silverstar: my daughter was in the Davis High Jazz Band for years and now studies trombone at UCLA
[12:46] HVX Silverstar: yea
[12:46] Mirra Fredriksson: I am acturally from Northern California
[12:47] HVX Silverstar: very cool.. we may know some people in common.. do you know Sam Dickey or David Okeefe (Berklee School)
[12:48] Mirra Fredriksson: know im not a musician hvx just an enthusiast. I am in the video and film department at New School.
[12:48] Mirra Fredriksson: :)
[12:48] Mirra Fredriksson: no*
[12:49] Mirra Fredriksson: media studies major
[12:49] HVX Silverstar: so cool.. you are welcome to come to the class and help out in any way... could use filmmakers to do instruction here.. there is such an interest
[12:49] Mirra Fredriksson: i would love to help out
[12:49] Mirra Fredriksson: i am very new to machinima
[12:50] HVX Silverstar: I am self-taught and it fell out of video I did for the Davis Bands (on google video)
[12:50] HVX Silverstar: great...
[12:50] Mirra Fredriksson: very interested though
[12:50] HVX Silverstar: I am on a lot of the time, otherwise I am on the teen grid
[12:50] Mirra Fredriksson: do you think that machinima is big in SL? Some people I talked to said it could be more active...
[12:50] HVX Silverstar: Huge
[12:50] Mirra Fredriksson: thats good to know
[12:51] HVX Silverstar: well, people are using the space to create films due to the intellectual property rights - filmmakers can retain them whereas they can't in many game spaces
[12:51] HVX Silverstar: It could be way more prominant...
[12:52] HVX Silverstar: I am interested in live broadcasting and will use it in that way ... coming up
[12:52] Mirra Fredriksson: very interesting
[12:52] HVX Silverstar: I will be applying for a grant to help with it
[12:52] Mirra Fredriksson: i would like to hear more about it
[12:53] Mirra Fredriksson: and i will come on saturday
[12:53] Mirra Fredriksson: but is that true about the built in machinima? could i use snapzpro?
[12:53] Mirra Fredriksson: im on a mac
[12:54] HVX Silverstar: I have about 4 service learning project proposals out to the San Jose State Univ Grad School of Library Science... so you can work on something similar if you are interested..
[12:55] HVX Silverstar: I can talk to you about it on the weekend..
[12:55] HVX Silverstar: i'm at work now and have to run....
[12:55] HVX Silverstar: Our univ is not involved in SL except for capturing 2D images for marketing, etc
[12:55] HVX Silverstar: ha
[12:55] HVX Silverstar: too bad
[12:55] Mirra Fredriksson: ok no problem...I will come on Saturday and help out if I can and we can talk then
[12:56] HVX Silverstar: Sounds good..
[12:56] HVX Silverstar: bye
[12:56] Mirra Fredriksson: bye and thanks

11.11

[12:10] Mirra Fredriksson: Hi Robertz...do you have a link to your machinima?
[12:10] Robertz Sparrow: Hi
[12:10] Robertz Sparrow: yeah
[12:10] Robertz Sparrow: www.litfusefilms.com
[12:10] Robertz Sparrow: then movies
[12:12] Mirra Fredriksson: is this your website?
[12:12] Robertz Sparrow: yes
[12:12] Robertz Sparrow: My name is Robert Stoneman
[12:12] Robertz Sparrow: in rl
[12:12] Robertz Sparrow: and on site
[12:12] Mirra Fredriksson: are you American?
[12:12] Robertz Sparrow: We are a group of Machinima makers, i have a team
[12:12] Robertz Sparrow: no English
[12:12] Robertz Sparrow: UK
[12:13] Mirra Fredriksson: London?
[12:13] Robertz Sparrow: Near yes
[12:13] Mirra Fredriksson: are you making anything now?
[12:13] Robertz Sparrow: Machinima wise? yes
[12:13] Mirra Fredriksson: can you share
[12:14] Robertz Sparrow: Why
[12:14] Mirra Fredriksson: im just curious as to what its about
[12:14] Robertz Sparrow: ah, filming an advert for BNT holdings then doing a short film in sl
[12:14] Robertz Sparrow: just location/prop hunting now
[12:15] Mirra Fredriksson: when do you think you will shoot in sl?
[12:15] Robertz Sparrow: I'm not sure yet, depends
[12:15] Mirra Fredriksson: im trying to find people that shoot in SL and asking them if I can just watch...even any of the pre-production aspect
[12:16] Mirra Fredriksson: have you been to the machinima institute?
[12:16] Robertz Sparrow: in sl?
[12:16] Mirra Fredriksson: yea
[12:17] Robertz Sparrow: no
[12:17] Mirra Fredriksson: do you talk to many other machinima people on here?
[12:17] Robertz Sparrow: ye
[12:18] Mirra Fredriksson: do you know HVX?
[12:18] Robertz Sparrow: that a nick name?
[12:18] Mirra Fredriksson: the avatar name
[12:18] Robertz Sparrow: no
[12:18] Mirra Fredriksson: she's interesting....she did a basic machinima class yesterday but she is a librarian in RL and uses machinima in that way...
[12:19] Robertz Sparrow: nice

11.12

[20:22] HVX Silverstar: (Saved Mon Nov 12 13:00:04 2007) Hi Mirra.. yes, I will be on today in case you are around. We can chat as I am doing things.. have to move the Machinima Institute to a new location.
[20:25] Mirra Fredriksson: HVX thanks for the group mail...the log looks amazing!
[20:27] HVX Silverstar: HVX Silverstar: Oh, you are welcome... it was so hard to read so i thought i would try something different... I see that i missed a lot of comments.. so hard to get them all
[20:28] Mirra Fredriksson: it is but you did a great job. wish i didn't crash. i kind of got lost for a second. Where are you moving the institute?
[20:29] HVX Silverstar: well, i'm here now at Eduisland 208, 55, 23.. but it's so laggy that i have asked for another location.. so it may end up on cybrary city
[20:29] Mirra Fredriksson: if you need any help or anything let me know
[20:30] Mirra Fredriksson: i have been talking to some people about machinima...some don't know about the institute...is it new?
[20:30] HVX Silverstar: yes, whenever you see me on, you can just come over and help... i'm going to eat dinner with my husband right now, but then i'll be back.
[20:31] HVX Silverstar: no, it has been around since about March last year.. I used to do classes April, June...
[20:31] HVX Silverstar: and then supervised the san jose state univ service learning projects for the Lib246 Master in Library Science program.... so we ended up with some great exhibits
[20:32] Mirra Fredriksson: ok if i see you when you get back we will chat
[20:33] Mirra Fredriksson: im on frequently and i have a blog and i'm going to present at my school in december...and i'm going to let people know abou tthe institute (or i have)
[20:34] HVX Silverstar: cool, so you can be a volunteer (like me) and you'll have more to present... very cool.. it's like a job at least in terms of gaining experienc e in other areas...
[20:34] HVX Silverstar: I have purchased a live video feed.. a lot of money... and will be playing with it soon... veodia professional account
[20:35] HVX Silverstar: i will be trying to get a grant to subsidize it.. so i'll let you know how it goes
[20:35] Mirra Fredriksson: wow sounds exciting...please do and if you have any office hours tomorrow or wed i would like to talk av to av haha
[20:36] HVX Silverstar: yes, i am usually on in the evenings about 7-10 PDT
[20:36] HVX Silverstar: PM
[20:36] HVX Silverstar: not all the time though.. as i have a family.. ha
[20:37] HVX Silverstar: talk to you soon
[20:37] Mirra Fredriksson: bye

Various Chats September and October

B
Nov 14, 2007
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Relevant machinima chats that have assisted in my research of the culture.

9.25

21:54] Dash Renoir: Welcome to the MMAC
[21:54] You: this place is cool
[21:54] Dash Renoir: thanks
[21:55] You: i just found it
[21:55] You: thanks
[21:55] Dash Renoir: check out http://www.TheMMAC.net for more info
[21:55] You: do you make films?
[21:56] Dash Renoir: yes
[21:56] You: using machinima?
[21:56] Dash Renoir: not yet
[21:56] You: my whole class and i heard others are having this problem...but when they use machinima lately SL crashes...
[21:57] Dash Renoir: while shooting?
[21:57] You: or when shooting begins
[21:58] You: do you know any filmmakers using machinima?
[21:58] Dash Renoir: not really .. but belong to a couple of groups
[21:59] Dash Renoir: they seems pretty active ...check the groups in my profile
[21:59] You: ok
[22:01] You: interesting groups your apart of
[22:01] Dash Renoir: most to run this place
[22:01] You: is this place yours?
[22:01] Dash Renoir: yes
[22:01] You: wow
[22:01] You: how did you start it?
[22:02] Dash Renoir: came his to promote my music & band...
[22:02] Dash Renoir: did a few gigs
[22:02] Dash Renoir: learned how to buid
[22:02] Dash Renoir: build
[22:02] Dash Renoir: open this six months ago
[22:03] You: is it popular?
[22:03] Dash Renoir: so far
[22:03] You: i really like it
[22:03] You: glad i found it
[22:04] You: anytthing cool coming up this weekend?
[22:04] You: my class is meeting on 2nd life i should bring them here
[22:04] Dash Renoir: me 2... you'll get event notices from group
[22:04] Dash Renoir: @ http://Calendar.theMMAC.net has all activities...
[22:04] Dash Renoir: will be updating it tonight
[22:05] You: im taking a look
[22:06] You: what kind of films do you typically screen?
[22:06] Dash Renoir: indie shorts
[22:07] You: made in sl or rl?
[22:07] Dash Renoir: rl
[22:07] Dash Renoir: playing in cinema now
[22:08] You: what kind of films do you make?
[22:08] Dash Renoir: indies and industrials around nyc http://myspace.com/chucksfilmservics
[22:08] Dash Renoir: http://myspace.com/chucksfilmservices
[22:09] Dash Renoir: corrected
[22:10] You: oh your east coast too
[22:10] Dash Renoir: nj/nyc
[22:10] You: im in nyc
[22:11] You: i'm a grad student thats why i'm on sl
[22:11] You: doing research
[22:11] You: about machinima....not sure what angle yet..
[22:11] Dash Renoir: for?
[22:11] Dash Renoir: oh
[22:12] You: seems like a lot of people are doing it
[22:12] Dash Renoir: you should join the groups... they have screenings and festival
[22:12] You: yea i joined a few that were in your profile
[22:12] Dash Renoir: eventually will screen it here
[22:13] Dash Renoir: well getting late 4 me... have a couple of thing to do b4 bed...
[22:13] Dash Renoir: stop by anything...
[22:13] You: yea no problem
[22:13] You: i will stop by
[22:13] You: thanks dash
[22:13] Dash Renoir: take care
[22:13] You: ciao

10.17

19:28] Kamran Talaj: if you type in machinima in search, you'll find some amazing stuff
[19:28] You: i want to do something i can use
[19:29] Kamran Talaj: there is entire film production world
[19:29] You: i know its overwhelming
[19:30] Kamran Talaj: well -- write out a draft proposal and we can talk about it in class and afterwards via email, etc

10.18

[22:47] You: hi
[22:47] Enniv Zarf: hi
[22:47] Enniv Zarf: hi mirra
[22:48] Enniv Zarf: i'm in costume right now actually...lol
[22:48] Enniv Zarf: not my normal wardrope
[22:48] You: lol
[22:48] You: whats it for?
[22:48] Enniv Zarf: my new series
[22:48] Enniv Zarf gave you Krystal Traveler Poster.
[22:49] Enniv Zarf: this one
[22:49] You: so your shooting now?
[22:49] You: i mean within these next few weeks...
[22:49] Enniv Zarf: i have been
[22:49] Enniv Zarf: about half done
[22:49] Enniv Zarf: having an actress in town dto do one of the voice tomorrow
[22:49] Enniv Zarf: i'm doing one myself
[22:50] You: so where do you shoot?
[22:50] Enniv Zarf: everywhere
[22:50] Enniv Zarf: i use both my own set and exisitng places in SL
[22:50] You: where is your set?
[22:50] Enniv Zarf: my place
[22:51] Enniv Zarf: somewhere up in the sky
[22:51] Enniv Zarf: i have a part of my set there
[22:51] Enniv Zarf: but I'm also shooting it at my home and other places that I have too
[22:51] You: what day are you shooting next?
[22:52] Enniv Zarf: haha...anytiime I feel like it, throughout the day
[22:52] Enniv Zarf: a few hours here and there
[22:53] You: would you mind if i observed you shoot one of these days?
[22:53] You: or like helped out
[22:53] Enniv Zarf: sure, though you probably won't see much, cause most people can't tell I'm even shooting
[22:54] You: lol
[22:54] You: its brilliant
[22:54] You: i would like to
[22:55] Enniv Zarf: hehe...sure, I don't mind if you like to come along or something, probably can use some other av in some sceen here and there
[22:55] You: thats great
[22:56] Enniv Zarf: :) so have you tried shooting anything?
[22:56] You: i did a while ago...and when i did my computer crashed...
[22:56] You: or sl
[22:56] You: i mean
[22:56] Enniv Zarf: ic, what program did you use
[22:57] You: ?
[22:57] You: im not sure
[22:57] Enniv Zarf: to make the machinima?
[22:57] Enniv Zarf: or did you use the build in tool in SL
[22:57] You: it must have been the build in tool
[22:58] You: what are the other opttions?
[22:58] You: options?
[22:58] Enniv Zarf: depends, my recommendation on PC is Fraps
[22:58] Enniv Zarf: and on Mac is SnapzPro
[22:59] You: where do you get them
[22:59] You: do you use a mac or pc?
[22:59] Enniv Zarf: mac
[22:59] Enniv Zarf: you'll have to buy them, but they have free trial version to test out
[23:00] You: i should look into that
[23:00] You: i use a mac too
[23:00] Enniv Zarf: then try snapzPro
[23:01] Enniv Zarf: there's another one, but it didn't workw ell on my comp
[23:01] Enniv Zarf: so I had to use snapzpro
[23:01] You: yea i need to get something i want to shoot in here
[23:01] You: it looks fun
[23:02] Enniv Zarf: it is a lot of fun
[23:02] You: have you been here before?
[23:02] Enniv Zarf: and there's so much possibilities here
[23:04] You: so what day do you think your shooting next?
[23:05] Enniv Zarf: probably later tonight I'll grab some more shots
[23:05] Enniv Zarf: i'm juust caught in a few IMs right now
[23:05] You: oh ok
[23:05] You: well message me when your going to shoot i will try and come meet you even though i'm on east coast time
[23:06] You: :)
[23:06] Enniv Zarf: ah, ic
[23:06] Enniv Zarf: sure, i'll do that
[23:07] Enniv Zarf: should be able to catch me for sure, cause I have now another commercial to make
[23:07] You: commercial for what?
[23:08] Enniv Zarf: for a really awesome friend of mine
[23:08] Enniv Zarf: he developed a lsl script that will revolutionize SL media
[23:08] Enniv Zarf: it allows the land to stream multiple media streams without going through the land stream
[23:08] Enniv Zarf: different people can watch different things at the same time
[23:08] You: wow
[23:09] You: im not getting the extent of it but that's only because i'm new
[23:09] You: i made this account in april and then moved abroad
[23:09] You: and then started using it again in september
[23:10] Enniv Zarf: ah, ic
[23:10] Enniv Zarf: hehe...well it's somethign tons of people wanted, and no one has been able to do
[23:11] You: it sounds really cool
[23:11] You: i'm glad we chatted and thanks for talking to me about this stuff
[23:12] You: i will definitely come on one of your shoots soon...
[23:12] Enniv Zarf: np, if you ever have any questions, feel free to IM me
[23:12] You: thanks enniv
[23:12] You: i will contact you soon
[23:12] Enniv Zarf: cool
[23:12] Enniv Zarf: i'll ttyl
[23:12] You: and i will let people know about your blog
[23:12] Thanasi Spinotti is Online
[23:12] Enniv Zarf: thanks
[23:12] You: byeee
[23:12] Enniv Zarf: bye

10.23

[21:48] Mirra Fredriksson: done any shooting this week?
[21:48] Enniv Zarf: no, i'm actually waiting for some new equipment b efore continuing
[21:49] Enniv Zarf: should be ready in a day or so
[21:49] Mirra Fredriksson: ohh like what
[21:49] Enniv Zarf: a joystick flycam ability
[21:49] Enniv Zarf: to do moving shots
[21:49] Mirra Fredriksson: oh weird how do you get that?
[21:50] Enniv Zarf: well for PC most joysticks works, 3dConnection's spacenavi, but for mac it's still questionable
[21:50] Mirra Fredriksson: ahhh so only on PC
[21:51] Enniv Zarf: for the most part yes
[21:51] Enniv Zarf: there are people working on it for macs
[21:51] Enniv Zarf: nothing official has been released
[21:51] Mirra Fredriksson: so your maybe shooting tomorrow?
[21:51] Enniv Zarf: maybe, need to get my equipment
[21:51] Mirra Fredriksson: ok
[21:51] Enniv Zarf: keep checking back with me
[21:52] Mirra Fredriksson: i will
[21:53] Mirra Fredriksson: I am doing this research on machinima like I said before but I am keeping a blog and I was wondering if it's okay to talk about your blog on there and your avatar so people can check it out to learn more
[21:53] Mirra Fredriksson: or i mean your site
[21:54] Enniv Zarf: of course, thats' great
[21:54] Enniv Zarf: let me know if you need anything
[21:55] Mirra Fredriksson: yea i think it can be really cool
[21:55] Mirra Fredriksson: trying to spread the word on my research and what i find/who I run into and what their doing
[21:56] Enniv Zarf: awesome
[21:58] Mirra Fredriksson: what are you up to on sl tonight?
[21:59] Enniv Zarf: working on some graphics for some people
[21:59] Enniv Zarf: nothing much beyond that
[21:59] Mirra Fredriksson: i liked the piano the other day
[21:59] Mirra Fredriksson: it was cool
[22:00] Enniv Zarf: ty, i do that rather often in SL
[22:00] Mirra Fredriksson: it was very interesting
[22:01] Enniv Zarf: i try to do interesting work in SL
[22:02] Mirra Fredriksson: yea it seems like it
[22:03] Enniv Zarf: :) well I gotta go for a bit. i'll ttyl
[22:03] Mirra Fredriksson: ok
[22:03] Mirra Fredriksson: bye :)

Flickr Update

B
Nov 14, 2007
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I updated my flickr with photos that are relevant to machinima in particular.

Check out the set....

http://flickr.com/photos/19935814@N08/sets/72157603182039882/

Readings 11.15

B
Nov 14, 2007
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We continued reading Shaviro this week and it was nice to continue the book after we had our discussion on the first part of the text. I ended up making note on sections that dealt with Castells, memetic theory, and Cyberspace. I must have found some overlaps with the texts on ebay...

Virtual Imitation

The Meme Machine-Suan Blackmore

simple forms of social learning/process of imitation

only humans are capable of extensive memetic transmission (wish this was explained more)

the idea of contagious propagation

instruction/rehearsal/repetition

act of giving orders. gaps between the order and execution

cultural redundancy*

the constant reiteration of instructions for behavior*

Blackmore-human drive to imitate posits existence of memes...and also the extinction of memes?

Mimetic excess... Michael Taussig

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Taussig

Cyberspace versus Homunculus

Tension between the network and the self

"The seamlessness of 'unthikable complexity' of the system of posthuman, virtual existence; on the other hand, a stunted and shrunken residue of humanity, possibly monstrous.

the self is a node in the network-ebay

space of places structured by different technological and economic investments of the space of flows-ebay

conflict-Batesons "double bind" contradictory messages.

the idea of something versus something...the example of The World Trade Center versus Al-Qaeda.

Two sides borrowing from one another. Feeding into the different flows/networks. I think that Tsing brought this up in some of her text. The idea of two sides borrowing from one another creating different networks yet within the same network...

Read four different chapters on ebay which were super interesting. So much information and being an ebay user I found myself identifying with some of the habits described. I also was able to look at ebay from another perspective.

William Gibson

My Obsession

Describes a culture that maps everything! His transition into the Internet and how one part sucks one into another part. The feeling he had after finally getting an email address. The changes he felt because of getting said address. He describes his experiences purchasing watches on ebay. Being addicted to his bookmark and looking at ebay as a ritual every morning. His discovery of sniping software and the dissapointment felt if someone else "wins" the item bidded on. It reminded me of when I first discovered sniping and the dissapointment I felt after "losing" certain items. He describes his methods of winning an auction. "robotically punching the netscape reload button." I have been there...I also use the method of "2 windows"...for for reloading and one with a bid already placed ready to be submitted. I like his comparison to ebay as a flea market or garage sale. Browsing for items, searching, bidding...The idea of the ebay binge. Buying as much as I can so that I don't buy more later....From the perspective of someone who is purchasing things on ebay I could relate to some of it. Would have been nice to read a chapter on the sellers perspective. For someone who has done both it's a different experience and a different emotion.

Mary Desjardins

Ephemeral Culture/Ebay Culture

The idea of rhetoric and the links provided thepowerofallofus.com ebaycareers.com

collectors, community, the production of narratives and images to sell objects

film memorabilia, the Hollywood era at ones finger tips, ephemoral moments, fleeting moments, anxious reloads, winning the prized posession.

ebay etiquette-feedback

sellers-choosing length of time for an auction

again the idea of rhetoric. Using film memorabilia as an example...creating a community and a commonality between the seller and the buyer. "Coming together." Narrative of the 80 year old grandmother. Using her story to create some kind of emotion in the buyer.

Baudrillard-The passion we invest in the personal possession of objects, best expressed in our collecting of them, keeps the "lives of the individual subject or of the collectivity on an even footing, and (has a role) in supporting our very project of survival."

expressing fandom through ebay usernames...example "blanchehudson". I noticed that is also used for other types of brandings...made up example "lxrydesigner"

rituals-helping in construction of self-buying items to construct identity. Can also be applied to second life and RL beyond ebay i.e. buying an education.

fetishistic quality of items, the indexical qualities of an object (Bazan)

contradictions-everything needs to be thrown away yet be preserved. throw away your one year old cell phone and buy a new one.

I like how at the end of this piece she closes it with the idea of ebay being competitive. Something that I forget. For every "winner" there is a "loser."

Fortune-Telling on Ebay

Eric Gardner

Fascinating. Never really thought of ebay in this way. Gardner talks about Chloe Russel, The Complete Fortune teller a twenty page booklet. How he found it, and what it means to find it. The idea of race and recovery, collecting Afro-Americana on ebay, the world of upper-class book dealers, the use of language. Ebay democratizes collecting...uses the example of the Swann Gallery catalog at 30USD. Finding on ebay...objects that have been "lost" similar to Tsing's idea of gaps. The idea of search words on ebay...combing through different words....racist terminology...finding things inbetween or within those searches. Finding ebay users and analyzing habit...methods to find certain items.

"ebay not only allows but even authenticates racist discourse" (interesting to talk about)

buying, selling, best price, "good buy", racist language...slave market

Immaterial Labor in the eBay Community

Jon Lillie

"eclectic communitarianism and geek libertarianism to commercial media and e-commerce."

P2P/technical relies on millions of members

Castell would call the network society

Theme: Narrative...ebays narrative of online community. The idea of people being basically "good" "we believe everyone has something to contribute." (it's kind of funny when I think about it.)

Identity: Intersection between multiple imagined communities.

If an ebay user has a problem other people in the community can help them out. Implementing the community vibe ebay hiring "Uncle Griff"...Creating an atmosphere associated with names that recall the techno-libertarian electronic -frontier manifesto....maintaining a community where active ebay users gain more access. In order to be an active community member one must work!

Castells-flow and free exchange of information

ebay members functioning as network nodes, filtering and processing information and capital as it flows through the network...** "machine-like yet skilled"

The idea of virtual community-also can be applied to SL

capitalism behind hyped narratives

The example of ebay and Wal-Mart. How ebay can go under the radar because it's online....yet ebay is expanding just as much. Maybe it's more difficult to trace?**

Ebay uses the discourse of community to elevate the laboor outputs of its members...performing at no charge to the company...I feel like this is true. I also think that people get something out of it that they may not have had before. The convienece of selling items they might have just tossed? Creating new hobbies? Making extra money?

More to come...

Flickr Photos

B
Nov 10, 2007
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http://flickr.com/photos/19935814@N08/

I made an account for my AV but realized that it doesn't have that much space since it's a free account...and I have a lot of photos. But you can see the ones that I put up so far...

New Media Research Tool

B
Nov 7, 2007
4 comments

My topic is on machinima culture in SL. While researching I have learned that it’s not as active as a lot of people think it could be. Talking to various SL users in a machinima group chat made me want to get more involved in connecting machinima users. I noticed that when I started a dialogue in the group it engaged a lot of people to ask questions about machinima and learn about various techniques from other users. This dialogue happened in IM format. Various users online at once could engage in conversation or ask other "online" machinima group members questions. I had been thinking about my dream research tool since last week. I wondered if it existed so I talked to various users on SL and realized that it was not fully realized but that someone (who I befriended) is working on a prototype that could be used for machinamators.

The tool that I would want to create is having the option to see what other avatars are filming while they are using machinima in SL or in any other program. For example, I have been trying to go on a shoot with a RL filmmaker who makes machinima in SL. He pointed out that it might be “boring” because I wouldn’t be able to see what he is shooting. Part of me thinks it’s interesting that one cannot see what others are shooting. That aspect of machinima also brings up the issue of privacy. But that appears to be a big issue in SL...As a researcher and filmmaker it would be more hands on to see what others are shooting. This function would also be helpful in terms of learning about technique and style used in machinima. I have seen some work that has been very stylized. CU, MS, LOW ANGLE, HIGH ANGLE...The same type of cinematography that would be used in RL. To be able to see that process like one can in RL would be beneficial for both research and technique. This tool could be very helpful in collaboration. Filmmaking is usually not a one man/woman show. To have the option to view a screen and be able to see what the camera sees could add to the creative process/collaboration.

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For those who work visually I did a mock up of two avatars using this screen. Of course the final version would be more design conscience. In this example the two avatars are looking at a mountain with trees and a sun. AV1 and AV2 both have optional screens that they can utilize to see what the other AV is filming. If they do not want the screen all they would need to do is click the the x to get rid of it. This tool would be ideal for me because I would love to see the decisions people make when creating machinima. I would also like to be able to compare the techniques to RL video/filmmaking. Besides that it would make my experience more interactive if I was following around a machinamator. Just to clarify...the screen I am proposing would serve as a “window” to the the actual camera…So if the AV changes position in framing the optional screen would capture those movements as well. So in this case both avatars can look at a mini screen on their own computer to see what the other AV is shooting. Both optional screens would not be on the main screen like this mock up represents.

Things to think about:

Would people need to ask permission to see what others are shooting?

Should it be like when you have to click "ok" to animate ones avatar?

What are the concerns this could raise in the SL world?

What are the benefits?

I would love to see this idea realized. Should talk to that guy more...