a new age

So I went out to dinner with my friend last night who is a journalist and professor at UMass Dartmouth. We got into the discussion of how journalists need to know so much more now. You not only have to be good writer, but you now must be able to post blogs, and be technologically savvy. The journalist who do well are the ones who have posts online, that are interactive so others can comment. It becomes more like a conversation now than anything else. Everyone wants to put in their two cents about the topic and have their voices heard. Blogging allows for this, which is why its so popular. It is interesting to see what will happen to journalism, newspapers and even magazines over the next few years as the internet continues to take over

Be kind, rewind!

The days of video stores have become a thing of the past. Who goes out to rent movies any longer? Seems like quite the arduous task now doesn’t it? I thought of this because I drove by my local Hollywood Video to see yet again another 'going out of business' sign. Well lucky for me, all the DVD's were on sale for 5 bucks! As bad as I feel, well actually I didn’t feel bad at all, ( you can’t beat 5 bucks for new dvd's ) the time has come. Netflix and other competing companies have completely ruined the video store business. We can order a movie, keep it for as long as want, and return it for a low monthly cost. Also, with on demand, we can watch a new release in the comfort of our own home. Slowly, but surely I believe all the video stores will be out of business, and Netflix will continue to thrive. Which of course means, more Dvd's on sale, and I like that.

bonding with the media

Going back on audiences: If I really think about it-with each of my friends, we all have a show in common that we like...or at least a genre. I think of certain people I want to call when a type of movie comes out, or show. For example: I call my brother when a new sci-fi flick comes out because we love those, and it's a 'bonding' experience'. Whenever a new Harry Potter film comes out, I take my friend Amanda. Either way, with each friend/family member it's something that we have in common. It's interesting to think that media is considered a way of bonding. After work, on Monday's when the old bachelor was on, my mother and I would sit together and watch. It was one of our favorite things to do. We're watching something, but still spending time together. Media has always been a way of bonding with one another. Back in the day, my grandfather would spend time with his family huddled around the radio listening to their favorite show. The tradition has carried on through decades, and no matter how the media changes, we will still find ways to bond over it.