NuRiN YaZaM

I’m a Piscean. People say that Pisceans are dreamy yet very obedient. When it comes to game, I’m confused. My dreamy character suppose to love emergence narrative where you can only know what happen to the game as you play it. Just like the SIM series where you can chose everything that is going to happen to your characters in the game. But I hate that. I love to play simple game (the one that nowadays can only be found in a game boy). I love the Mario Brothers series, Islander and all those embedded narrative game. So, does your horoscope determine your game choice?

Before I learn that there was two type of narrative in games, I have never actually thought of it. I just knew that I love some games and hate the others. No reasons why. Now I know that…

Embedded Narrative: pre-generated narrative content that exist prior to a player’s interaction with the game and

Emergent Narrative: arises from the set of rules governing interaction with the game system.

(Salen and Zimmerman, Rules of Play)

A combine of both should create a better game because users are able to make their own decision yet at the same time follows some guidelines that were made by the developer. For example in an adventure game, it does go from one level to another, from a city to a jungle to an ocean. Nevertheless, we are able to determine what type of weapons we would use to fight our enemies and what type of vehicles we would use in each scenes or levels. By using different weapons and vehicles a different narrative will be created.

In a way, our maturity and experience in playing games does make us evolve from playing games with embedded narrative (which is quite easy), to a game with an emergent narrative (a craze for 10 year olds) to something that combines both. The reason of playing those games also contributes to the type of games that we chose. We will chose an easy game to relax, a moderate one to impress our mates (difficult ones will sometimes make us look bad) and the hard cores to show who’s the boss. Thus, men are more engaged into games, simply because they love challenges and women have lots of other important things to do than just to play games.

A few weeks ago in Emerging Media class, a photoblog website Flickr was introduced to me. Eventhough I’ m very familliar with photoblogging through my own photoblog, Fotopages, Flickr is an interesting website since it enables users to post pictures directly from the handphone.

Digi LifeLogger

Digi is one of the telco providers in Malaysia. Their latest invention is the LifeLogger, a type of photoblog similar to Flickr but developed by a telco provider. Therefore, this type of product extension does uplift the ability of the network as well as increasing the brand equity. Owners of digital camera embedded cellular phones can now share their experience and information in a multimedia format when they subscribe to Digi. Digi enables them to directly upload pictures from the mobile phone.

They are actually creating a network community of a mobile phone users who could share their interest of taking photos with friends and family from all over the world. The company believes that more and more mobile phone users will opt for phones with mobile camera because of the modern lifestyle pressure from the environment. Users can uploads pictures to the web even when their on holidays and out of reach of the computers and internet. They don’t even need a separate digital camera.

The second version of the LifeLogger.com offers a unlimited data storage and more than 5,000 Digi customers have register to the service. LifeLogger is at the moment receiving approximately 30,000 photos in MMS format. Users could also join the forum in LifeBlogger to communicate and discuss among them.

My Thoughts
The convergence of the use of mobile phones with camera and photoblog website has in away assist us to be in touch with friends and love ones although we are half way around the globe from them. Apart from personal use, this type of technology can also be applied professionally where those for example in construction sites can take a picture of projects and send them straight to the company’s website to be viewed by others.

Nevertheless, this privilege should not be misuse for example in taking nude photos in beaches and also photos that may tarnish a person’s credibility or reputation and publish it in a public space such as the internet. All pictures taken should be with permission and not violate anyone’s privacy.

Some links to mobile phone privacy readings:

Going wireless: behavior and practice of new mobile phone users by L Palen, M Salzman, E Youngs

Privacy - Camera Phones - M/Cyclopedia of New Media

Sneaky Cameras by Chris Mc Leod

Privacy fears on phone cameras by Larissa Dubecki

I’ve read an article on the use of smart card in a high school in Malaysia to check students’ attendance a few days ago. It is an interesting to see that local high schools are embracing technology in day to day activities. It took teachers to go through a long list of students to check for those who cuts classes, but now students must ‘clock in’ and ‘ clock out’ their attendance when their in school. Although, smart card usage has been implemented by companies and government bodies to access buildings and other use, however implementation cost is very high. When even a high school has adopted this method, we can say that people now are willing to pay the cost to have technological advance as part of their lives collectively.

Smart Card was first patented in 1974 and issued a few years later. On the contrary, smart card has not been fully utilized. Some chose to use barcodes rather than chips. But this does depends on the longevity of the use because of its cost.

Malaysian government has also initiated a project where the traditional identity card will be replace by Smart Cards and the nation wide deployment has started since last year. The smart identity card is named MyKad.
MyKad enable users to use it as an identity card as well as a driver’s licence. It also functions as a reload able Touch ‘n Go card that can be used to pay for toll, parking, bus fare and theme park tickets. It behaves like a bank card that facilitates daily transactions and also contains basic medical information if users faced any emergency.

In a way, smart card has merged the usage of different media from an identification card to a bank card that can support banking transaction. A purse that was once full of cards now has only one that can play many roles. That is why it is called a Smart Card and not just a card.

Reading some articles on instant messaging reminds me of my first encounter with mIRC, the first programme that I used to communicate real-time, online. That was 10 years ago. Now, there are so many different instant messenger both commercial and corporate that they are competing to provide many more enhancement in their products.

In my Communication and New Media class, I’ll be doing a presentation on instant messenger. It will cover the history, the future, features of the MSN Messenger and the Yahoo! Messenger and also discussion of some issues regarding advertising used in instant messenger and also surveillance within the workplace.

The invention of instant messenger has assist human to narrow the geographical gap and enable us to communicate at real-time across boundries without having to travel. Projects can be done even if the members are in different continents.

The question now, has the invention of the instant messenger created a more efficient workplace community or has it created a community where work comes second to personal communication?. Before, the owners of businesses spend millions of dollars just to have security camera placed in the workplace. This is to see wether the workers are actually present, working, using the phone for personal use, etc.

Now they even need a software to check every single keystroke of the computer to make sure that the workers are doing their job, using the internet for work and not for leisure. The instant messenger provider on the other hand, is creating more and more software that enable the user of instant messaging to go online undetected. Therefore, every single surveillance step taken by the workplace owners, is sabotage back by software developers especially the instant messenger provider. This will never end, just like worms and virus in computer networks.

Although it was invented for a good reason but unethical users who could not differentiate the use wether for personal or for work has given this problem to the workplace. Who is to blame? Let us think about it.

It was funny for me before since I’m learning so many things about technology this semester yet did not even own a 3G phone. But last week, for the first time I won the bid in eBay. It was my third bidding experience although I never did win before. The thing that I’ve won was a used Nokia 7600. Owned by a lady, she made a decision to sell it after buying the latest Samsung D500. It was well kept. I received it in my mail yesterday as if it is new.

Although it is not the latest Nokia, I’m satisfied because of its looks and capability. It’s Bluetooth enable, with Mp3 player and able to capture pictures and short videos. I wanted to own this for quite sometime now. I couldn’t buy a new one because Nokia does not produce it anymore. As if it was that long since it was produce (maybe between 1 to 2 years - not that long eh…).

A girl in uni wanted to sell hers for $269. I saw a few at the Cash Converter in Prahran for $249. Since I won the bid in eBay, I paid only $195.50 including postage. What a bargain?! Although the gap is not that big in Aussie dollars, but if you convert it into my Malaysian currency the difference is quite huge, nearly RM 150.

I send my first MMS today. It was a video message to my fiancé back home. He’ll receive it on his new Nokia 6600. Never thought it was that easy before. Maybe I’m a little bit behind, But at least I’m adopting it. Although my phone came with a USB cable, but since my notebook has irDA port, I transferred some song to my new phone through infrared connection. It really fascinate me. I’m going to explore some more.

In producing a game, some may do it for the love of the game and others just to make money. Most successful games does not start from scratch but the idea of those games came from other forms of narrative such as movies or songs. Likewise, if a game is developed from a very popular soap opera or action movie, the possibility for it to sell is bigger. Why? Millions are spent to promote movies whether in the mass media or other forms of media such as billboards or the internet. If the movie is a big hit, target audience in a certain age group may try to search games based on the movies.

Below are some reviews of video games based on a movie:

1. Spider-man The Movie
2. The Sum of All Fears
3. James Bond
4. Jurrasic Park III

To get a collection of reviews of the games derived from movies, just go to:
actionadventure

Reality TV in Malaysia started 3 years ago. They are Malaysian Idol, Popstars, Explorace and the most successful is Akademi Fantasia. In Malaysia talent shows are being focus rather than the daily life activities type of programme mainly because of our culture. Since the national religion is Islam and 65% of the total population are Moslem, the government are very concern about the types of programme being aired by the networks. There are strict rules about sexuality on TV. It is a big no-no, to have a man sleeping in a room with a woman in reality TV in Malaysia. The people portray in it should wear decent attire and there should not be any improper words being used. We understand that viewers may be influenced or imitate on TV behaviour and below is a little scenario on Malaysia reality TV based on my observation.

Reality TV in Malaysia.

In just a few weeks Malaysian will go back to a world fill with tears. After nearly two months we have left behind the sadness of the Tsunami victims in Acheh, the weeping that will come may be worst than the one in Acheh.

A few Malaysian television network are now occupied with various audition sessions for talent programmes labeled as “reality TV” at multiple places all over the country. The hunt of new icons for programmes such as Akademi Fantasia, Malaysian Idol, Who Will Win, Audition and others has begun.

ASTRO – the initiator of Malaysia’s reality TV at the moment is seeking candidates for the third season of Akademi Fantasia from all over the country. Whereas, the 8TV will be doing the same thing for Malaysia Idol in the second week of April.

How far has the eruption of Malaysia reality TV give the impact towards the community or has the viewers started to think that it is too much after the same programmes are aired again and again?

Are there still loyal fans that would be glued to the television, weeping and crying just to see their favorite contestant loose? Or is there anyone who would neglect to pay electric and water bills just to be able to buy pre-paid mobile phone recharge card to vote through SMS?

We are talking about entertainment programmes that are now busy looking for new contestant which 90 percent comes from teenagers under the age of 25. These contestants are the medium for TV stations to rip the pocket of their fans.

Starting from Akademi Fantasia, it has been a must to most of the entertainment programmes to invite viewers as the juries to choose the winners. But being a jury is not a free ride. A big amount needs to be paid to be involved in judging the contestant.

Therefore, it is not suprising if ASTRO gets more than RM15 million worth of SMS voting for Akademi Fantasia 2 that has produced a young star, Zahid as the winner.

The concept of reality TV in Malaysia is still new and had begun in 2003 through the first season of Akademi Fantasia. Thus, there comes a question of whether the concept of Reality TV that has been introduced by the local TV stations carries the appropriate quality?

Viewers are introduced to a new term, “reality TV” since then. What is reality TV? Is it enough by using viewers as the juries or filming the contestant at their home fulfills the characteristic of the real reality TV?
Overseas, reality TV is very synonym to the Survivor programme in 2000. Others are The Apprentice, American Idol and Amazing race from the US as well as My restaurant Rules, Dancing with The Stars and X- Factor in Australia.

These are the few examples of reality TV programmes that has clearly give an huge impact to their community in many ways. But programmes such as Amazing Race, Survivor or The Apprentice do not ripped off viewers’ pocket but has attract millions of viewers to feel the emotion of every contestant in it.

The reality TV overseas depends fully on their own strength that invites investments from advertisers. The programme like The Apprentice delivers the message of entrepreneurship by challenging their personal abilities in the real business. Although the same idea was tried to be introduced in the Nescafe Kick-Start programme, the level is still low.

The Apperentice which highlights aspiration is very different to Malaysian TV stations which focus on entertainment. They are searching for qualities and abilities of the contestant and not ‘spontatious glamour’ or popularity. It is very different to Malaysia’s product of reality TV where 80 percent of them only knows how to sing.

For that reason, it is not a surprise if some might think that all the reality TV shows in Malaysia are profit oriented and not to polish talents.

Below are some comments about reality TV from Australian that was picked from Mediaman.com:
“It’s entertainment!”
Max Markson Markson Sparks!
Media Man Australia interviews Max Markson - 2nd July 2003

“(Contestants) will automatically this time have professional management from our office and I think that’s a pretty good thing. Their ideas for this year are quite extraordinary - nothing to do with anything that happened last year or the year before. It’s amazing. I think we will see a significant jump in viewers. (On Big Brother 3) “
Harry M. Miller Harry M Miller Group
Article: The man they call Harry M, by Greg Tingle

I never watch Reality TV because my own life is fascinating enough but most people aren’t as blessed as I am so I get why they need it.
Abner Zurd, Film Maker & Political Candidate for 2003 California Recall Election
Media Man Australia interviews Abner Zurd - 15th August 2003 Interview - 13th November 2003

Reality Television is not something new but it certainly there is a new trend amongst forming cult fan followers as they push new types of Reality Television. Read the entire article.
Vaughan Buckland
Australian Wrestling Promoter: Championship Jelly Wrestling
Media Man Australia interviews Vaughan Buckland - 7th October 2003

Provocations in response to yr request re Reality TV …
+ ‘reality tv’ is to reality as military justice is to justice
+ a ‘reality’ where everyone in the house is young, ‘kewl’, good-looking (in a very conventional way), pierced and oh-so-happy to bounce into bed
+ a realm where there are no wrinkles, no mortgages, no brains and definitely no wheelchairs
+ a genre that’s as formal as wagnerian opera or classical ballet
+ a genre as constrained as a parliamentary debate and without editorial intervention would be as exciting as reading Hansard
—
Bruce Arnold
Caslon Analytics Pty Ltd
www.caslon.com.au

What’s “real” about putting a bunch of people in a mansion rent free with cameras focused on them 24 hours a day? What’s real about them all looking like models? What’s real about them given ridiculous tasks or competitions for expensive prizes?

You want reality TV? Follow a single mom around whose scumbag husband has deserted them all with no child support and watch her struggle to survive. Or follow a New Yorker around as he or she works multiple jobs to pay the obscene rents that we have to cope with because our politicians sold us out to the real estate interests. Or follow the husband desperate to escape his shrewish wife as he surfs porn sites on the Net.

I want to know what’s real about a dating show where you’re all expenses paid with some stripper or airhead actress with gargantuan fake boobs. I don’t know about you, but I’m not out with a helluva lot of strippers. What about all the so-so dates where there’s “just no chemistry?” Aren’t those sad and real and dramatic enough?

In summary, reality TV generally appeals to the lowest common denominator. It’s not something I seek out but nonetheless hard to escape.
Evan Ginzberg Wrestling Then & Now
Media Man Australia interviews Evan Ginzburg - 26th May 2003

Sounds like you’re moving forward…great stuff. Here’s my thoughts on Reality TV…
- moronic tripe for z-grade refuse unworthy of the soul of my shoe
- another reason why we shouldn’t be watching the idiot box
- further evidence that TV programming appeals to the cheaply entertained, easily satisfied masses
- cheap, nasty and unworthy of my time
- I’d rather watch back to back re-runs of Webster, Punky Brewster and Different Strokes; then cap it off with the entire series of Hey Dad. Twice.
Cheers, Dane

I am not a fan of what is called “reality TV” in the US, as most of it is actually staged, edited for impact, and geared toward a lowest common denominator mind-set. The appeal is usually in the range of “oh my God I can’t believe they did that” or falls in a category similar to slowing down to stare a a car accident.
Bill Behrens
Show Business, Inc.
NWA Wildside Wrestling
Media Man Australia interviews Bill Behrens - 18th June 2003

Once before, photography attract the interest of small groups of people because of the cost of the camera, the film and the photo development. But with the development of digital cameras plus phones with digital camera, more and more among us are are turning ourselves into active photographers. This is supported by the development of fotoblogging especially a page called The Fotopages. We are able to capture digital pictures and upload it into the photoblog page in just a few seconds. Friends from all over the world are able to see and share their comments about the picture right after it is uploaded. With this, people are able to be updated on the activities done by family members and friends anywhere, anytime.

Although the cost of digital cameras are quite expensive compared to the conventional camera, but the benefits gain from the digital camera seems to be far beyond expectations. The storage is big. There is no need to buy films from time to time. You can edit, email and share the picture simply by connecting it to a computer. You can even print a customize photograph at home. Since it is such a simple process, many of us who never had an interest to take pictures now are taking pictures like a professional.

It is bizarre to know that my small sized country Malaysia with only 21 million people in it has the highest number of photobloggers in the Fotopages page. With 7880 photobloggers in that page we have put Brazil in second place with 6061 photobloggers and the US with 4825 photobloggers in third. Maybe they favour a different photoblog providers yet this has shown that Malaysian has picked up this interest of taking pictures & photoblogging rather rapidly.

Some of my friends are now doing their own business in photography especially taking wedding pictures. They are actually using their photoblog to market themselves. Even customers from overseas ordered their service through the net. One of the example is http://saifulnang.fotopages.com. You can see Malay and Chinese tradisional wedding photos on it. Or if you want to see the life of Malaysian students in Melbourne, you can go to Hall Melb fotopages.

This is the third time that I tried to write to the blog. Before it was straight into the blog, but this time I do it in Microsoft Word. Why??? Because I had lost it all.

Last week I got sick. Maybe because of the weather. Hot, cold, hot, and cold again. Thought it was just me. I was wrong… Nearly everyone around was feeling the same thing. So it’s normal.

Went around surveying for the hard drive. Really wanted to buy one because of the urge to do well in the course. The cheapest price that I can get in the city is $180 for 120 gig. It’s not originally an external hard drive. It is just an internal one placed in an awful looking case.

The one I’ve bought is a 160 gig, Western Digital, originally external hard drive for just $165. To be specific, it is $168.30; paid by credit card (you can see that I’m broke…). If we convert it into my currency it is about RM520. That’s huge.

It took me about 2 kilometres on foot from Monash Uni. But it is worth every cent. I love it and used it to store the photo shoot on Thursday. Funny to find that it was made in Malaysia. Both of us came from Malaysia yet only met in Melbourne. How small this world is.

Never had a blog before. A great opportunity to start one. May be continued forever. love to learn something like this. Well, better late than never.