Sunday, December 14, 2008

Final reflection on blog and class

As for my reflection of the class and the work I have done, I loved the class. I enjoyed mainly the visual advocacy project because I’m a visual paper and also the Microsefs paper. I have learned so much and hope to continue learning. I’ve learned from my writing that I need to slow down and take my time looking over what I have written. Also when I write I sometimes make things to analytical and not so much emotional. I lack details in areas where they need them. I don’t put enough detail in places at which it needs to be while just jumping straight to the point. If I could revise anyone of my works it would have to be my entrepreneur paper. As professor Yerks has stated in many of the comment sections. My work is smart and thoughtful but it gets covered up by the mechanical errors and lack of attention to certain details. Entrepreneurship is the direction I wish to take in life and writing a paper is a way to show everyone else what I see and not that it’s just another piece of some boring ass business literature. I see business and entrepreneurship as a hallway of open doors and windows and all that’s required is just taking those eye-opening steps to get their. When I am done with this class I’m not sure what I will do with my blog. I think I will continue this one or add on to another one. I personally have not used any open blog website before but I found that I like designing it and posting my thoughts for others to see, and for my self to reflect on. I want to thank professor Yerks for a great year and a wonderful semester. I love writing and new technology, so what better way to get my fulfillment that to combine both of them in a class.

Microserfs Paper


Microserfs Paper:
Couplands characters speak in computer jargon, because it’s all they really know. Daniel himself describes how he wishes he had a normal life. He makes a statement of how thinking parallel is more practical than linear. Then mentions to Ethan, co-founder of Oop!, about Prozac and how this helps a parallel mindset move along. “Fortunately depression runs in my family”. “Absolutely, pal I couldn’t figure out a way of rigging my brain to work in parallel instead of linear mode-and then they invented Prozac and all the Prozac isomers and kablam!- my brain’s been like an Oracle parallel processing sever ever since.” (1, pg. 164). As for myself, language at work and home are much different. I work in an Italian restaurant so speaking little bits of Italian and screaming at each other are a must. At home things are much calmer and not so chaotic. When people speak in computer jargon it can be very intimidating to most other people. It as if they are speaking in a foreign language, and most people find it uncomfortable.
Couplands writing is well written, and humorous. He separates his chapters by weekdays as to express his life as a diary with all different characters. In his writing he uses clips of random information, for example “If I asked you, would you jump in the pool and not even bother to Strip? Would I strip you down, remove your clothing and we would fall inside the water together? It scares me.”(1, pg. 138) I see this as his personal way of putting his feeling and emotions down on paper. I also believe he is using it as literary expression to draw attention to specific details in the diary and thought processes of his characters. When Daniel has something important that he wants to convey, he analyzes it in the best way that he can, then describes it in his computer lingo or jargon. All of these people seemed to be nerds and into their into their own worlds, but the job they do has an effect possibly on millions of people. Ironic isn’t it. A group of introverted people that enjoy living in their private, isolated worlds but they really control the a large part of our society.
The binary code on page 104-105 is what Coupland uses to help define and express his character Daniel. Throughout the book Daniel seems to be trying to find himself, and live a so called normal life. In the chapter called Sunday, he and Karla were having an in depth conversations talking about real feelings and emotions. This binary code is the way to his “My Computer” or a window to a normal life because it is very uniform. Its his way of so called “Spooging”. He wishes to lay everything out and express himself, but the only way he knows how is in computer language. “I felt a jolt of energy and this sense of honor to be allowed entrance into her world-to be with a soul so hungry and powerful and needful to go forth into the universe. I want to feed her.”(1,pg.101). I think that his pessimism gets the best of him. Whenever Daniel attempts to speak to Karla sincerely his words come without deep thought or feeling. You could even say they sound machine like and methodical. He lacks normal human emotions and he knows it. The computer and codes are the only thing he knows.
Overall Coupland is living through his characters and uses the world of nerds to express them. His life as a programmer obviously had changed him like it changed his character Daniel. I personally believe that the situations we work and live in can have a lasting effect on us whether we know it or not. People who go to war are different before and when they come back. Those who are nerds, and live in a technological world are different than those who live in a simple society. But how does a couple who both are from a technological world go to a normal sate of existence?

Work Cited
1) Coupland, Douglas. Microserfs. New York: Regan Books, 1995.

Screen Capture


Sunday, November 16, 2008

Entrepreneurship

Lessons in Self Made Success was an article based on how colleges are currently and how they should be teaching entrepreneurial skills. In the article it gave some facts on how entrepreneurialship is becoming more important and vital to society than it ever has been. “As the prospects for a stable single career with one company gradual disappear, young people are recognizing that their futures will depend on their ability to be creative, innovative, flexible, and entrepreneurial.” (Rosenfeld & Pages, Pg. 2). They’re a few good examples of successful entrepreneurs that have helped create this trend towards self made success.
I couldn’t think of a better way to define entrepreneur than one of the greatest business men of all time, Richard Branson. He is known for his daring tactics on life and business. His name brand, Virgin, is found throughout the world. His estimated net worth is valued at $5 billion. I see Richard Branson as a valued role model in my life and hope to be at such a level of achievement in my live as well. In the journal article Being Branson, the writer gave a break down of what makes him tick. They were able to give six key attributes that show his success and if followed could possible, make you just as successful. He calls himself a risk taker, a life long learner, a thrill seeker, self efficient and confident. He is also swift acting, willing to experiment, and an experience adventure. If Branson doesn’t know how to do something he surrounds himself with those who do, and learns from them. Entrepreneurs have to start some where, but with lots of hard work, and characteristics like Richard Branson we are all capable of reaching such accomplishments.
As Richard Branson has progressed and fallen, so has our economy. Within the last 20 years there has been a huge boom for new business start ups and entrepreneur’s. Many factors have helped us along in this process. For example, new technology such as cell phone pda’s that can do anything. We have become vastly dependent on these technological advances and rely of the new technology yet to come. Another example would be the way we interact within our environment. A cleaner, happier and less stressful workplace has proven to succeed. Overall economic growth has helped us advance within our lives and our economy. It is not just outer factors that contribute to an entrepreneur but many internal qualities.
As shown to be the best you need to have certain characteristics and qualities. In the article Becoming an Entrepreneur: How to Start a Business, they have given some qualities similar to those of Richard Branson. One characteristic would be a desire to achieve. If you don’t have a passion for something then you will never achieve what you want. Another simple and straightforward quality would be just plain hard work. In the life we live, hard work is the basis for everything. Nothing is ever just handed to you on a silver platter. Finally, you need to be nurturing and be willing to take responsibility for your actions. According to the article, Becoming an Entrepreneur and Being Branson article, these characteristics are key to success. “After generating new business ideas, prospective entrepreneurs must then carefully judge each possible venture based on its compatibility with life goals. Once personal goal requirements are satisfied, the next step is an evaluation of business viability.”( Hormozi, pg 3). With all the quality’s and tools that entrepreneurs have, there are a few things that need to be considered in order to not fail.
Entrepreneurship is a high risk endeavor that could lead to big success or big failure. To avoid the latter there are certain aspects one should look out for. In the article, The Stich House: A Case of Entrepreneurial Failure, there are quite a few mistakes that cause entrepreneurs to fail. For example, one should never create a self written contract without proper guidance. If the contract is not written right you are personally liable and all personal assets are at risk not just your venture. Another example is, not doing a sole proprietorship without understanding the consequences first. If it fails then the creator has to take the entire financial burden upon them self.
In conclusion, all four articles were very helpful to understanding how entrepreneurship can be risky but yet highly rewarding. Richard Branson being the pinnacle of all entrepreneurs explains that we all have what it takes to be the best. There are characteristics that an entrepreneur should have, but then again there are certain traits that will cause one to fail as explained in the Stich House: A Case of Entrepreneurial Failure article.


Bibliography:
Wilson, Sara. "Being Branson". Entrepreneur November 2008: 58-62.
Amir M Hormozi. "Becoming an Entrepreneur: How to Start a Small Business. " International Journal of Management 21.3 (2004): 278-285. ABI/INFORM Global. ProQuest. University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI. 16 Nov. 2008 http://www.proquest.com/

Stuart Rosenfeld, Erik Pages. "LESSONS IN SELF-MADE SUCCESS. " Community College Journal 78.3 (2007): 12-16,21-22. Research Library. ProQuest. University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI. 16 Nov. 2008

Karl F Kampschroeder, Nancy Ludwig, Mary Ann Murray, Prasad Padmanabhan. "THE STITCH HOUSE: A CASE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL FAILURE. " Journal of the International Academy for Case Studies : INSTRUCTORS' EDITION 1 April 2008 31-35. ABI/INFORM Global. ProQuest. University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI. 16 Nov. 2008

Saturday, November 1, 2008

1000 word essay Module 2 ( Destruction of the Social Infrastructure)

Destruction of the Social Infrastructure
Everyday people question the lives that they live. What am I doing today? Where am I going? But do people account for the bases of their actions, fundamentals and what cause them? Daily we are subjected to thousands of sensory images. Consciously and subconsciously we are affected by them. Cell phones have become a wide spread phenomena, but did we ever think that something as simple as a cell phone or basic technology would have such an affect on the fundamental structure of our social lives. Hans Geser describes this in his article, “Undermining Mobile Technology from a Sociological Perspective”.
The break of social bonds is becoming more prevalent within my generations and generations to come. Hans Geser in his article “is the cell phone undermining the social order?: Understanding Mobile Technology from a Sociological Perspective” gives his thoughts, and break down of the social infrastructure and how were losing fundamentals, by a social stand point. Cell phones, do we need them? Sure they’re a way of easy communication, and a way to be safe in case of an emergency, but what is really going on with our cell phone addicted society? First of all we are losing the base for social interaction and communication with our peers. For example, when people text they use a form of short hand. A different type of language, but when they start to do in their daily writing like bill paying, resumes, or grocery lists the informal lingo becomes part of our everyday life, and we lose the base for formal writing. But the inconsistencies don’t end with informal language.
Have you ever been in a movie theater and had your cell phone go off or hear someone elses? What about when you’re in class or a place of study. We all have been there before, when a phone rings and people disscuse their personal problems. I personally find it rude and disrespectful. It’s another aspect that people show a lack of respect with cell phones. You can’t even go into a dentist office or even in a restaurant without hearing someone’s phone go off. In a social setting we may talk to our friends informally or maybe use slang, but what about when we talk to an employer, teacher, or even a parent. With cell phones we’ve lost our manners, through texting and informal communication.
People no longer need to be confined to one place, they can be on the move and still be connected to the world. Today all of us have busy schedules and need to be in so many places at once and cell phones provide us this luxury. They have GPS, movies and song downloads. They have touch screens and data bases that help keep our everyday lives in order. Before cell phones people were still able to do the same tasks we do today. Why is it that we have become so dependent on such an “antievolutionary device” as Hans Geser states in his paper “Understanding Mobile Technology from a Sociological Perspective?” In his analysis, he explains to us that people seem to be sheltering themselves from meeting new people. Cell phones give us only connection to those close to us. “cell phone numbers are usually only communicated to a narrow circle of self selected friends and acquaintances.” (Ling 2000). This shows a link to closure rather than excepting new people.
Another aspect of this is the medical field. Many speculations of cell phones are said to be causing cancer and some birth defects. “Scientists agree that high frequency (Ionising) radiation, such as that found in X-rays, can break chemical bonds in the body and damage DNA, Potentially causing cancer and birth defects.” (Carpenter, pg.11) So not only is our ability to function outside of formal social standards, but now we have to consider the destruction of our own health and possibly others. Of course, it’s still in question whether or not these ideas are correct and we should consider every aspect of the cell phone and the effects it would have on our everyday life.
Is it just cell phones we’re worried about or is it much more than that? People are even considering that the cell phones are becoming such a huge wave, that people will no longer need a computer. As I have discussed above, cell phones do just about everything. They have music, TV, games, internet and many more features. In the Wall Street Journal, they printed an article titled, “Time to leave the Laptop Behind”. In this technology age we have come so far, and now cell phones or “smart phones” are taking the mobile market by storm. “The Result: many travelers are now using smart phones the way they used laptops.” (Wingfield, pg.1) In a business setting, this shows tremendous efficiency and organization, but is it starting to affect the way people communicate in a business profession. As of right now laptops and computers don’t seem to be a thing of the past, but “A survey in January, 2008 reports 1,402 technology users said they rely exclusively on smart phones while on the road “. I think Hans would agree that this is another attempt of propaganda that is destroying the building blocks of our social structure.
Cell phones have given us many break throughs in technology, and have made everyday life a bit more convenient. But as I have shown, as well as Hans Geser, cell phones seem to be more of a inconvience. They have proven to be a distraction for people in classrooms, doctor’s offices, and movie theaters. They are starting to show signs of cancer causing agents. Its even come down to a lack of communication within social settings among peers. We have lost the ability to speak to one another without using slang, texting, or the improper usage of the English language. Will technology ever have a limit? How far will we go to disregard the bases for the fundamentals of living and comprehending daily life?


Bibliography

1) Carpenter, David O. "The whole Truth about Cell Phone dangers". Bottom Line Health November 2008: 11-11.

2) Wingfield, Nick. "Time to Leave the Laptop Behind". Wall Street Journal October 27, 2008: 1-1.

3) Ling, Rich (2000), Direct and Mediated interaction in the Maintenance of Social Relationships”, In: Sloane, Andy and Van Rijn, Felix (Eds), Home information and telematics: Information Technology and Society, Boston: Kluwer, 61-86

Questions Module 2

Questions:

1) How does Hans Geser show us the break down of social infrastructure with modern technology? More specifically cell phones.

2) Hans Geser states, “Under such new circumstances centralizing institutional control
of system boundaries is more different to maintain, because it is no longer achieved as a simple correlate of physical walls or spatial distances, but has to be actively upheld by constant controlling procedures.” What does he mean by this? What policies have been implemented to control this?

3) When discussing the different aspects of the cell phone he refers to them as “antievolutionary devices” and “umbilical cords” for parents. Give three of his reasons for believing this and explain.

4) Do you agree that widespread cell phone use will cause the general population to stop developing complex social interactions?

5) Would you agree that Geser’s assertion that the cell phone could become a “negative status symbol” what evidence could you provide the support your opinion.

Part A module 2

If I was to conduct an experiment about cell phone usage and how it underminds our our social structure. I would start by taking a group of people, male and female, as well as ages ranging from 18-30. I would survey them and then conduct the rest of the experiment with field work.
Who would be involved? I would conduct the experiment on people ages from 18 to 30. 24 of them would be males and the other 24 would be female. Then I would break it down even further. 12 males would have a cell phone, and 12 males would not have a cell phone. Then I would do the same for females. 12 would have cell phones and 12 would not.
What would I be experimenting? My purpose of this experiment would be to survey people of age groups of 18-30 years of age and then after surveying them I would have one person who had a cell phone sit with someone they didn’t know that didn’t have a cell phone and see if they could hold a 10 minute conversation. This would be after I have had those who had cell phones talk on a cell phone or text for one hour. Then I would record the social reactions and see if the conversation flows well or is choppy due to the lack of social communications.
When would I be experimenting? I would probably survey everyone at peak hours for cell phones so people get the most out of their phones. The experiment would be for one week. One hour of talking or texting to 10 minutes to normal social interaction.
Where would I be experimenting? The institution at which this experiment would take place would be a highly populated college. I have chosen a place like this because it fits the highest count of people for my experiment.

Why would I do this experiment? I would be conducting this experiment in hopes to show the deficiency in people’s ability to communicate with one another. I agree with Hans Geser and his enlightening statements about how our society is using cell phones as “antievolutionary devices” and that were “undermining” the growth of social exposure and development.