New Media Philosophy Part 1

William Burroughs writing was a very interesting way to look at writing. He explained that if a poem is important to a person, therefore, a person has the right to manipulate that poem into whatever desired. Poems and writings do tend to decrease in value over many readings, which will then collect dust on the shelf, but if people took in consideration of gaining a new message from a favorite writing only good experience would prevail. A teacher or writer could very much benefit from Burroughs love for words. I didn’t try the four foldings exercise, but I will remember to take advantage of the words I read from now on. Ian Bogost’s reading was impressing to me, because I don’t know a thing about appreciating a video game like he does. His writing not only explained the logic of the software and writing code, but he also took the time to explain historical values of rhetoric involved in designing a game. I realize now that it is important to use rhetoric knowledge such as persuasion and explanation as explained by Socrates. Although Socrates meant rhetorical speaking, Ian really touched base when explaining the importance of Socrates four steps to thoroughly explain and persuade your audience. Ian Bogost must put much thought into the games he designs. Ian goes on to explain how Fogg, another gamer, has very little consideration in using rhetoric while designing games. Ian’s knowledge of games was exciting, because I have never heard of 90% them. The List was one that made me giggle to myself, because of my female instincts to save money. I can only imagine the women that played that game. One of them quoted themselves as a “lister”, so I bet she was gaming all the time! Bogost mentioned the game Eliza, which was sort of a computer psychologist. It was programmed to use a person’s response in forming a question that would use reflection on helping a person with depression. Eliza was very interesting to me. I could see myself talking to her for hours in order to measure all of her answers. It is amazing that we have been able to program a computer to produce games and interactive learning real life experiences. I especially enjoyed Ian’s interpretations between the history of procedure and rhetoric. Bogost went into great detail to explain the meanings and significance of the two words. I agree when he explained the different ways to use procedure, and how we use it in everything. Computational procedure was interesting because computers are basically all procedures, but when it comes to interacting with humans, computers are not able to perform to a full advantage. Computers simply lack emotion, and will never experience feelings. Ian believes that digital images are more influencing and captivating while teaching someone, or simply entertaining, and I agree completely. If the workforce incorporated more serious gaming while training employees, the staff would catch on easier to the values and ethics of their work environment.