Author’s statement:

I started out with the idea of doing a Mashup of songs as a sort of personal challenge, and I eventually decided to include video to make a music video of sorts. As I planned out the project, I realized that while it’s like a music video in a way, it’s also similar to a vid in that it’s a compilation of video footage from multiple different sources that are all related based on content and, when placed together, form a theme.

It was more difficult than I imagined to find the kind of video footage I was looking for. Finding images and videos that would work for the message I was trying to convey probably took more time than anything else… which reminds me of the interview between Henry Jenkins and Alex Juhasz on Juhasz’s experience teaching a course solely on and about YouTube. She discusses the disorganization of the site and how difficult it is to navigate, as well as how unlikely it is that you will find the videos you are looking for simply by typing in key words and phrases. Her video goes into further detail about this problem as well as other personal issues she has with YouTube.

I began the project by mashing up two songs that I felt would go well together both because they have a similar beat/style and because the lyrics in each song work together in a back-and-forth, argumentative sort of way—which was perfect for the idea I had. After mashing up the two songs the way I wanted, I began cutting up the videos I’d collected from YouTube in such a way that together, with the music and song lyrics, they told a story.

The story or idea portrayed in the video is a simple one that we can probably all relate to on some level, or at least know someone who can. It is about couples whose relationships are being strained because of the boyfriends’ videogame addictions. The girlfriends are upset and some actually go as far as breaking the video game consoles because they’ve had enough and are tired of being ignored, etc. While it’s kind of funny and light-hearted in a sense, it’s actually a serious problem with a lot of youth these days (particularly guys). Videogame addictions are not uncommon and, like any addiction, they can take a toll on the players’ lives, affecting their relationships, their health/well-being, as well as their sense of reality… which reminds me of Jane McGonigal’s article on the distinction between games and ‘real life.’ She discusses how far some people will go in the process of turning every aspect of their lives into a game. Should there be a distinction between what we could consider a game and what is better left taken seriously? How important is it to keep the game realm separate from the realm of reality? Can this behavior of combing the two be detrimental? My video suggests that it can be and that gaming can be taken too far, especially when it comes to sharing your life with other people who may not share your passion for nonstop gaming. If you want to keep your girlfriend happy, then my video suggests you should learn how to put the controller down once in a while…

Analysis and Reflection

I found some things which I feel both relate to and differ slightly from my piece in various ways. The first is a video on videogame addictions, which addresses specifically how these addictions can affect relationships between couples (among other types). It mentions a web site called gamerwidows.com for couples whose relationships have been damaged by gaming addictions. The site has even saved some couples from divorce, including the founder, Sherry Myrow, and her husband. The video is similar to mine in the obvious sense of content but differs slightly in tone and in form. It is a serious, informative video whereas mine is more light-hearted and for the purpose of entertainment. It reads more like a documentary whereas mine reads more like a music video.

The second video that I feel relates to mine is the While I Was Away one that we watched in class. It is more similar in tone and context to mine, as it involves an angry girlfriend who reacts irrationally to her boyfriend’s actions regarding an electronic device that has come between them and caused problems for their relationship (his cell phone is turned off). It is a nice combination of funny and serious, and viewers can probably relate to the story in some way as they can to the story in my final piece. While the video isn’t about addiction or even videogames, it still addresses the impact that technology can have on lives and on relationships as far as communication goes. I think it complements my piece in painting a picture of how powerful electronics are in this day and age and how our lifestyles can be dramatically altered by something so novel and seemingly-innocent. It seems we have become dependent on what technology offers us and while it is intended to help us and make our lives easier, it can hurt us and make our lives more difficult and complex.

The third piece is an article by Danah Boyd describing her experience delivering a presentation at a Web2.0 conference and how the presence of certain technology created a significant disconnect between her and her audience. Her article strongly suggests that certain technologies can take away from personal interaction and create barriers that change how we interact with others, which is ultimately what my video suggests in its content. New digital networked media like Web2.0 as well as other types of technology such as videogames can end up taking the place of real human interaction in a sense, belittling the human. People can feel replaced, isolated and hurt as these technologies sometimes appear to hold more weight and importance than people themselves. They can distort reality and change our interactions, making us less in touch with ourselves and cause us to behave less respectfully than we would in the absence of such media. The personal story in this article and the story in my video share the same message, although their format differs.

I think my piece adds to the discussion of how technology impacts our daily lives as it shows the real life frustrations that so many people share who are close to someone with a videogame, computer or internet addiction. It illustrates how normal and innocent it can seem at first but how serious and damaging the consequences can be. It offers a new perspective that should be taken seriously–the girlfriend’s perspective. Personal relationships play a significant role in or lives as human beings and to replace them with an impersonal, fantasy-based relationship with technology can be unhealthy and harmful in many ways. It’s all about balance, really. A little aid of technology whether for entertainment or other uses can be beneficial, but there is a real problem with an excess in our lives. The question lies in knowing how much is too much and knowing when technology is causing more harm in your life than good.

(make sure to check out other abridged scripts listed on the left)

Enjoy!

“Oh dear God…” the Captain gasped, as the realization of what had happened hit him with the utmost force.

Mildred must have found the letter. The letter he’d written to her in the name of Stratton just days ago when that overwhelming rage had taken over his body and possessed his spirits. He’d known of Mildred’s emotional instability and wildly unpredictable temperament. He knew that once she found the letter supposedly written by Stratton Brownsmith informing her of his change of heart and his intentions to pursue Catherine that she would retaliate.

He had not given it to her, of course. He’d decided against it once his head had cooled by morning, and he was capable of thinking more rationally about the double affair. But she must have found it, nonetheless, in his chiffonier. His repulsive plan had managed to work itself out effortlessly, and now he was overcome with crippling guilt. It occurred to him most regretfully that maybe—just maybe—he didn’t deserve Catherine after all and that it ought, in fact, be he and not Brownsmith lying back there, struggling to take in his last breath of air.

Catherine appeared abruptly at his side with the doctor. “We have just received word from the King’s men,” she said. “They found Mildred in the forest just moments ago, bloodied and with a note from Stratton in her cloak. It appears she killed Stratton and then took her own life in the woods with his bayonet.”

Catherine’s words curdled what little fortitude remained within the Captain. “Oh, forgive me for what I have done…” he muttered under his breath. It was only he and Catherine now—just as he had wished. But it felt nothing like he’d imagined, just nights ago, when he’d been overcome with jealousy and despair. There was only one thing left for him to do now…

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I have to admit, I am one of those people who was not aware that the art had been around for so long and, tbqh, the first time I saw it really starting to emerge into mainstream video mashup culture was on YouTube in between the time when the Twilight movie became a huge hit and before the trailer for the sequel, New Moon, had even come out yet. They were called FanVids and there were hundreds! (Well, maybe not that many…) Most weren’t too amazing, but a couple were of really impressive quality and I admired them for the time and effort that was so obviously put into them. I also appreciated being able to watch them for what they were—”fixes” for hardcore Twilight fans who couldn’t wait for the next round!! (Who doesn’t love to see a sexy, pale vampire fighting a long-haired, Native American werewolf over a clumsy girl with a masculine voice who has no acting capacity whatsoever? I know I do!)

But back to the point.

As far as I knew, vids had emerged right then and there along with an insatiable teeny bopper lust for British vampire-starring, low-budget pseudo-horror flick films. Little did I know, these awesome little creations had been in existence since the ’70s! I hope to see more of them, now that they are finally stepping into the spotlight and fighting to be recognized for their indubitable precedence. Yay for vidders! Come out, come out, wherever you are!

“I see not much has changed, my noble comrade,” responded Alec after the Captain had carefully laid out his ingenious plan before him and asked for his advice and assistance in the matter. “Your relentless determination never ceases to amaze me, Captain; I would be honored to assist you. However, with my poor health, I’m afraid my agility is not what it once was and I can promise you nothing in the name of a coalition. Regretfully, I must decline your proposition.”

The Captain, momentarily disheartened, quickly regained his pertinacity. Alec’s polite refusal was merely a minor setback and would not stop him from carrying out the agreement—the agreement he made with von Zeppelin years ago in exchange for the device which was, alas, to be utilized to his advantage. There was nothing that could stop him from accomplishing his mission. Nobody, not even the King of Berkshire parish, could interfere with his plan. He was going to obliterate Brownsmith and win back his love, Catherine, with or without any help. He bid farewell to Alec and set off into the night, alone.

It was only then that he became suddenly aware of an eerie and unfamiliar presence within him… something dark, brooding… evil. He let out an unexpected fit of shrill, uncontrollable laughter. Oh, if von Zeppelin could see him now, thought the Captain, amused…

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http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/different-kind-of-company-name.html

“Sir Edwin, might you be ill?” inquired Beatrice, the Captain’s eldest servant. He had been bed-ridden for three consecutive days now, worrying everyone in Berkshire. They feared the worst, but the Captain was not ill—not with the sort of illness that could be easily cured, to say. Rather, it was an impeding illness of heart.

Ever since that poignant evening at the Rumblage Estate which now seemed so long ago when the Captain had had the pleasure of playing the magnificent ensemble alongside the breath-taking Catherine, he had been unable to rid her grace and beauty from his thoughts. He loved her in every way imaginable—he always had. And he had seen in her soft, grey eyes then, when that wily Stratton Brownsmith took her by the hand for a waltz, that his love for her was not unrequited.

Oh, what a fool he was! He sprung up from his bed and strapped on his boots. “Beatrice, I’ve got an important matter to settle. Please send word to the King that my health has returned. However, shall Mildred inquire upon me, speak not of my departure. I shall return.” Confused but relieved, Beatrice reassured the Captain that his orders would be carried out immediately. With that, he readied his horse and set off hurriedly into the sunrise to make his intentions known before dusk.

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My video, Quentin’s Cat, is a light-hearted comedy intended to serve as a commentary on various aspects of the internet and social networking and both the simplicity and complexity involved in online communication. While technology and digital media are indeed intricate and complex, it is, at the same time, relatively simple to access the internet and get your voice (or face, in this case) out there—so simple that even a cat can do it!

Also, the video captures, in a sense, some of the various types of people you might find on the internet (or, more specifically, Chatroulette *cough*) and the nature of communication one might have with these people. Let’s just say you won’t always encounter the most… ordinary… folks.

That said, the character in the video, Quentin, illustrates one type of person who might be likely to engage in something like Chatroulette for reasons other than just a good laugh. He and his overly-enthusiastic (perhaps even delusional?) friend, Dave, come off as your “typical” (or stereotypical, anyway) internet frequenters (dull, oddball, boring, “cat people”, for instance)… but the interesting thing is that these days it’s not just the weirdos or outcasts who are living an alternate reality or basically a second life on the internet. Today, with the rise of popular networking sites like Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter, more people with a wide range of social statuses and backgrounds are spending an increasing amount of time on the internet—whether it be to socialize, to spread their views or simply to entertain themselves. And in addition, taboo things are becoming more socially acceptable thanks to sites like YouTube, for example, and this video alludes to the fact that not only can you always expect to encounter the unexpected on the internet, but it is precisely the crazy, unexpected, novel (although not necessarily advanced or profound) things which are spread among internet users the fastest. It’s the modern day American Dream to get rich and/or famous via the internet… the funny thing is, that’s really not a joke. It happens every day. You never know—you could be next!

Oh, and about the technicalities of the video… my original plan differed quite a bit from the final product. First of all, I intended to use either Facebook or Twitter to tell the story and was going to have the cat trample across the keyboard, accidentally sending out some sort of message/status (the content of which was difficult to decide upon) that would be spread around quickly and get a lot of media attention… but the details were harder to work out and not as feasible as I’d planned. So I shifted the medium to Chatroulette instead. Also, I wanted to screencast but could never get it to work. The wmv files I made would not open in Windows MovieMaker… so I decided to use only photos… WHICH was also going to be more work than I’d set aside time for for obvious reasons (hard to get my cat to do what I wanted him to in accordance with the story, and even harder to find relevant photographs on the internet).

SO! I decided to just draw them. I drew them on white paper with a black marker, scanned them, and colored them in and added text on Paint. Then I imported them and added the sound. I also used a screenshot of Chatroulette and found pictures of people using Chatroulette via Google Image searching. Wasn’t too complicated, really. In fact, I managed to get nearly the entire thing done on Thursday (well, Friday too, if you count being up until 3:30am working on it and then waking up again at 9am to add the finishing touches). But hey! It worked out pretty nicely, I think. And I had fun with it. So yeah.

I like the quote by one of the players of the Cloudmaker group in response to the criticisms the group received regarding the 9/11 issue, stating, “I’m a Cloudmaker. What I do best is look at the world like a Cloudmaker. Perhaps that’s taking group identity to the next step…. But I’ve been permanently changed by the Game.” My comment on this is simply, “Hey, whatever works.”

It’s like this neat billboard I often pass by when traveling through downtown Dallas that says “Great Minds Don’t Think Alike”. We all think differently and see the world through different lenses; we all have strengths in different areas and we can all come together and contribute what we know through the fields and media we are most comfortable with (whether it be math, art, blogging or videogaming). We can achieve a lot if we remain open to the possibility of allowing new media to function as a tool for real-world collaboration and problem-solving. New media can be utilized for so much more than just entertainment and the spreading of personal and trivial information. Who says videogame design can’t have a positive impact on the world, one player at a time? And who says videogame concepts and strategies can’t be effectively applied to “real life” situations one day? This kind of game-like collaboration is simply one way for people with similar interests and ways of interpreting information to share their ideas and connect with each other to solve problems.

The idea of merging immersive gaming with reality is, in a sense, as innocent yet powerful as injecting youthful imagination back into the minds and hearts of adults. To be able to merge both worlds would allow for the reactivation of internal senses of adventure, curiosity and inventiveness in adults that they once possessed entirely as children and which could be applied now to their everyday lives.

In my opinion, this has the potential to make the “real world” a much more exciting place and would encourage and foster much more engaged and meaningful participation from people all over regarding worldly issues. It can save us from boredom, depression and even premature death! (Okay, I’m maybe exaggerating a little…) But I think this is a brilliant idea with tons of potential, if taken seriously and applied insightfully. It may take some time but McGonigal is really going somewhere with this. Props to her innovative thinking style! She is definitely on the right track toward widespread positive change.