October 2008 - Air-L - lists.aoir.org

Re: [Air-L] List of Resources for Online Research.
by Semenov Alexander 03 Oct '08

03 Oct '08

Hi All! I think that if we started talking about online research methods bibliography, the following site should be also mentioned: http://www.websm.org/ Best wishes, Alexander Semenov.

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Net Surfers Redux?
by Joseph Reagle 03 Oct '08

03 Oct '08

I've been using "Virtual communities as communities: net surfers don't ride alone" in the classroom for a number of years, and today a number of students noted in their responses that this article is now 10 years old. Time flies! But this prompts me to wonder if there has been an update? The article is accessible for undergraduates, I like the pointedness of the questions, and the agnosticism with respect to answers: the literature couldn't always speak definitively. But what have we learned since?

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The Future is Prologue: New Media, New Histories? - ICA Pre-conference announcement
by Steve Jones 03 Oct '08

03 Oct '08

The Future is Prologue: New Media, New Histories? New media encompass both new opportunities and new dilemmas for scholars. This ICA pre-conference invites participants to reflect on ways to analyze, preserve , and understand new media in a manner that is both sensitive to the past and to future needs of historical research. The history of new media is a burgeoning new subfield, but one aspect that often goes overlooked is how new media involve new ways of doing history. The purpose of this pre-conference is to focus attention on the shifting needs of historical scholarship about new media. It will include a demonstration of new technologies for collaboration and visualization under development at the Electronic Visualization Laboratory, University of Illinois at Chicago. We welcome papers on a wide array of historically-grounded themes. The following illustrations of topics suggest – but are not intended to limit – topics suitable for paper submissions: * The idea of ‘storage’ as it relates to new media and historiography. * The contextualization of historical problems in a new media milieu. * The changing meanings and implications of inscription as the internet more fully embraces a range of audio-visual forms of communication. * Ideological implications of speculations regarding the future. * The changing place of ‘the virtual’ in new media studies. * Digital history. * The reputed move away from print media to new media. * Changing meanings of the ‘global’ in relation to new media. * Ubiquity, indexing, correlation and access. * New media and transformations in the scholarly enterprise. Abstracts of 300 words should be submitted no later than November 1, 2008. Send abstracts to: David Park, Chair of the ICA Communication History Interest Group, at park(a)lakeforest.edu. Authors will be informed whether abstracts have been accepted by 21 November 2008. Papers will be due by May 1, 2009. The program for this pre-conference will take place all day on May 21, 2009, the date established for ICA pre-conferences. The available time allows for three consecutive blocks of short presentations and roundtable-style discussions. The pre-conference is a joint initiative by the Communication History Interest Group of the ICA, New Media & Society and the Electronic Visualization Laboratory and Department of Communication at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The pre-conference will be held at The University of Illinois at Chicago, and there will be transportation available for participants and attendees between the conference hotel and the UIC campus. Organized by * Dave Park, Chair, Communication History Interest Group, http://www.icahdq.org/sections/secdetinfo.asp?SecCode=DIV23 * Nicholas Jankowski and Steve Jones, co-editors New Media & Society, http://newmediaandsociety.com Click here for more information: http://www.icahdq.org/conferences/2009/future.asp

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Deadline Extended for the Gary Gumpert Research Incentive Prize
by John Monberg 02 Oct '08

02 Oct '08

Gary Gumpert Research Incentive Prize Two grants up to $1500 will be awarded to fund communication research relevant to enhancing understanding or improving the urban communication environment. The incentive award can be applied to the acquisition of resources, travel, and/or any other appropriate research related expenses. The Urban Communication Foundation Research Incentive is open to all National Communication Association members. The proposals will be judged for both originality and potential impact of the completed study in heightening the understanding of issues, problems and policies in the urban/suburban landscape. Applications should include a statement in no more than two pages describing the nature and significance of the project in relatively non-technical terms; anticipated schedule (expected completion time); plans for dissemination of the project results, and budget. You may wish to include an additional 2-page appendix for bibliography, photos, figures, etc. Applications should be sent to Dr. John Monberg and should be accompanied by a CV. The award recipient will be obligated to complete the research and provide the UCF with a report of research and progress results. The revised deadline for proposals is October 16. The award will be presented in November at the annual meeting of the National Communication Association. Material can be submitted by email when appropriate. If hard copy is being sent submit materials to: Dr. John Monberg 263 Bessey Hall Michigan State University Or email to: jmonberg(a)msu.edu

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CfP: Public and Situated Displays to Support Communities - OZCHI 2008 Workshop
by Marcus Foth 02 Oct '08

02 Oct '08

PUBLIC AND SITUATED DISPLAYS TO SUPPORT COMMUNITIES Workshop in conjunction with OZCHI 2008: http://www.ozchi.org/ Tuesday 9th December 2008 James Cook University, Cairns, Australia http://wraydisplay.lancs.ac.uk/ozchi08 http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=42033775024 KEY DATES Submission deadline extended to October 10th. Please note that workshop participants are eligible for early bird registration after the normal deadline. October 10th 2008: Submission deadline October 24th 2008: Notification of acceptance October 31st 2008: Camera-ready submission December 9th 2008: Workshop AIMS AND SCOPE This OZCHI 2008 workshop will discuss the ways that public, situated displays can support communities. Our primary aim is to explore the potential for situated displays to support communities of all kinds by bringing together many individual community display projects, with the added benefit of increasing awareness and communication between researchers involved in this field. We hope to share experiences of working with communities and the challenges this can involve and explore the different approaches, techniques and technologies used by the workshop participants. In doing this, we aim to learn which of those have proved successful, which have not been so successful, and facilitate comparison of the various approaches and the contrasting communities in which they were based. It is our hope that the workshop will encourage collaboration between disparate research groups, and if suitable the outcomes of the event may be considered for publication in an appropriate venue. The day will comprise conference-style paper presentations, discussion of emerging themes and issues from the presentations, and a group design exercise based around a scenario for a new community display. We welcome all contributions related to the use of public situated displays in supporting communities. Relevant areas for discussion include, but are not limited to, the following: - Exploration of different settings and deployment environments - Techniques for gathering requirements and information for design - Display designs and design techniques - Discussion of key deployment challenges - Issues arising from working with communities - Evaluation of community displays and different interaction techniques - Issues arising from display content and repurposing of content - Access control and possible solutions and approaches - Persuasiveness and community-building effects - Sustainability and evolution of solutions - Managing multiple displays - Enticing and encouraging users, incentives to contribute - Role of gatekeepers and local champions - Spaces and places SUBMISSION We invite submissions of up to three pages in OZCHI submission format (see http://www.ozchi.org/mediawiki/index.php/Submitting) Submissions should be made via the workshop site: http://wraydisplay.lancs.ac.uk/ozchi08 PROVISIONAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE Michael Arnold (University of Melbourne, Australia) Margot Brereton (Queensland University of Technology, Australia) Areti Galani (Newcastle University, UK) Matt Jones (Swansea University, UK) Christian Kray (Newcastle University, UK) Gary Marsden (University of Cape Town, South Africa) Ann Morrison (University of Queensland, Australia) Kenton O'Hara (Hewlett-Packard Labs, UK) Mark Perry (Brunel University, UK) Fiona Redhead (Queensland University of Technology, Australia) Ingrid Richardson (Murdoch University, Australia) Mark Rouncefield (Lancaster University, UK) ORGANISERS Nick Taylor (Lancaster University, UK) Keith Cheverst (Lancaster University, UK) Christine Satchell (Queensland University of Technology, Australia) Marcus Foth (Queensland University of Technology, Australia) Ian MacColl (Australasian CRC for Interaction Design) -- Dr Marcus Foth Australian Postdoctoral Fellow Institute for Creative Industries and Innovation Queensland University of Technology (CRICOS No. 00213J) Creative Industries Precinct, Brisbane QLD 4059, Australia Phone +61 7 313 x88772 - Fax x88195 - Office Z6-511 m.foth(a)qut.edu.au - http://www.vrolik.de/publications/

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Deadline extended: Culture of Virtual Worlds issue of Journal of Virtual Worlds Research
by Mia Consalvo 01 Oct '08

01 Oct '08

Please note that we've extended our deadline for submissions to November 1, so please think about submitting if you haven't done so already. thanks! Mia CALL FOR PAPERS Journal of Virtual Worlds Research Special Issue: Culture of Virtual Worlds *Deadline: November 1, 2008* Publication Date: January, 2009 Guest Editors Mark Bell, Indiana University Mia Consalvo, Ohio University * jvwresearch.org * Early users of virtual worlds trumpeted their potential to bring together like-minded groups to create community, to encourage social activism, and to explore facets of identity. Over the past 20 years, we have seen virtual worlds develop from text-based to graphical, and from 2D to 3D interactive spaces. Some spaces have focused primarily on game-related activities, from MUD through Ultima Online and World of Warcraft, while others have concentrated on social aspects of being, allowing users to define their own goals, and often create many parts of the spaces they inhabit--from LambdaMoo to The Palace and Second Life. Virtual worlds have also become big business at the same time as some worlds remain resolutely tied to different goals. Yet what of the cultures that have grown up in, around, and through virtual worlds in this same time period? What do we know about that culture, or more accurately, those cultures and how to define them? Individuals, groups, and corporations are exploring the potentials of virtual worlds, and what is created in that process says as much about our everyday lives as it does about our times spent online. But what do we know? Because of their richly detailed spaces, virtual worlds tend to encourage specific sorts of participants and players, along with expectations about behavior and culture. Yet at the same time, we cannot know how participants will create a livable space, develop a unique culture, until it happens. How is that process occurring in today's virtual worlds? What do we know about past virtual worlds to guide us? We are slowly learning about how identity shifts and mutates online, yet isn't as free-floating as early theorists claimed. What of users who are in game-centric versus non-game centric places--how does game versus non-game make a difference in who uses the space, how, and why? Likewise, we now see virtual worlds with transnational user bases. How does that impact the culture, the creation, and the experience of virtual worlds. What happens when virtual worlds emerge, when they expand quickly, and when they die, either slowly or suddenly? What happens to users and how do they make sense of those experiences? How do developers play a role in managing all those expectations, and how much *can* they actually control? These questions are only the tip of iceberg, just as today's virtual worlds are at the forefront of emergent design of 3D spaces. This special issue of the Journal of Virtual Worlds Research is dedicated to exploring the issue of culture in virtual worlds. We welcome articles from academic researchers and practitioners in areas such as communications, sociology, psychology, anthropology, information systems, political science, game studies and cultural studies. Topics of interest include (but not limited to): • Definitions of Virtual Cultures • Ethnographies of Virtual Worlds • Social mechanics and networking in Virtual worlds • Historical development of Virtual Worlds • Identity • Differing goals of play versus non-play centric spaces • Emergent practices, player-generated content, activities • Dynamics of economies • "Serious" uses of Virtual Worlds • Transnational game spaces, player groups Guidelines and Deadlines We welcome submissions in the form of essays, papers, original research, interactive online exhibits with accompanying detailed descriptions, and other forms of scholarship. For specific submission instructions visit: http://jvwresearch.org. Deadline for Submission: September 30, 2008 Publication: November 29, 2008 For further information contact: Mark Bell, Indiana U, typewriter(a)gmail.com Mia Consalvo, Ohio U, consalvo(a)ohio.edu About the Journal The Journal of Virtual Worlds Research is an online, open access academic journal that adheres to the highest standards of peer review and engages established and emerging scholars from around the world. The Journal of Virtual Worlds Research is a transdisciplinary journal that engages a wide spectrum of scholarship and welcomes contributions from the many disciplines and approaches that intersect virtual worlds research. Editorial Board Edward Castronova, Indiana University, United States James Paul Gee, Arizona State University, United States Steve Jones, University of Illinois at Chicago, United States Jorge Peña, University of Texas at Austin, United States Joseph Straubhaar, University of Texas at Austin, United States Kathleen Tyner, University of Texas at Austin, United States Natalie Wood, Saint Joseph's University, United States Editor Jeremiah Spence, University of Texas at Austin, United States Associate Editors Mark W. Bell, Indiana University, United States Sun Sun LIM, National U. of Singapore, Singapore Suely Fragoso, Universidade do Vale do Rio do Sinos/Unisinos, Brazil Joe Sanchez, University of Texas at Austin, United States Amanda Salomon, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia Henry Segerman, University of Texas at Austin, United States Yesha Y. Sivan, Shenkar College & Metaverse Labs, Israel Stephanie Smith, NASA JSC Learning Technologies, United States Caja Thimm, University of Bonn, Germany ******************************************* -- Mia Consalvo, Ph.D. School of Media Arts & Studies (formerly the School of Telecommunications) Ohio University 9 South College Street Athens, Ohio 45701 USA 740.597.1521

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Website: Taking it to the Web: Political Participation in the Internet Age
by jeremy hunsinger 01 Oct '08

01 Oct '08

Virginia Tech’s award-winning “Choices and Challenges” project has launched a new interactive website, in conjunction with its 2008 forum, “Taking it to the Web: Political Participation in the Internet Age.” The website includes a wealth of resources for learning about the topic of information technologies and politics, and offers a range of opportunities for online visitors to engage in discussion. The site also features a series of podcast interviews with experts, practitioners, and activists involved in innovative uses of information technologies for political action. Visitors can listen to the interviews individually at the site, or can subscribe to them through iTunes or other subscription services. The first interview, already online, is with Justine Lam, who coordinated an innovative web strategy for Ron Paul’s bid for the 2008 Republican Presidential Nomination. Other interviews will include leading political bloggers, international activists, and environmental movement leaders. Once registered on the site, visitors are welcome to post new content on the “open blog,” and can participate in discussions of any of the content on the site. The site can be found at www.choicesandchallenges.sts.vt.edu.

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new reviews in cyberculture studies (october 2008)
by David M Silver 01 Oct '08

01 Oct '08

each month, the resource center for cyberculture studies publishes book reviews and author responses ( http://rccs.usfca.edu/booklist.asp ). the book of the month for october 2008 is: Gamer Theory Author: McKenzie Wark Publisher: Harvard University Press, 2007 Review 1: Denisa Kera Review 2: Shawn Miklaucic stay tuned for more and a big, big list of new books looking for reviewers. david silver http://silverinsf.blogspot.com

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Mood and Attitude Measurement Tools Needed
by lauren shapiro 01 Oct '08

01 Oct '08

Hi All - I am working on my Master's thesis looking at the relationship between mood/attitude and email miscommunication. Does anyone have any recommendations of mood or attitude measurement tools that would help me? Thanks! Lauren Shapiro

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Fwd: Free Online Access to all SAGE journals October 1-31, 2008
by jeremy hunsinger 01 Oct '08

01 Oct '08

Begin forwarded message: > From: "Mukherjee, Mithu" <mithu.mukherjee(a)SAGEPUB.CO.UK> > Date: October 1, 2008 11:47:31 AM EDT > To: JISC-E-COLLECTIONS(a)JISCMAIL.AC.UK > Subject: Free Online Access to all SAGE journals October 1-31, 2008 > Reply-To: "Mukherjee, Mithu" <mithu.mukherjee(a)SAGEPUB.CO.UK> > > > Apologies for cross-posting > > For your information - Free Online Access to all SAGE journals until > October 31, 2008 > > Earlier this year SAGE celebrated the launch of the 500th journal > site on the award-winning SAGE Journals Online platform. > > > SAGE Journals Online provides users access to one of the largest > databases of social science, humanities, and science, technical, and > medical content in the world. More than 245 societies place their > trust in us to provide their journals with the best possible online > platform. > > To mark the occasion SAGE are offering free online access to over > 500 SAGE journals with content available from 1999-date until > October 31, 2008. > > If your institution already subscribes to SAGE journal content > through a consortial agreement, then you and your library users > already have access to this valuable content and registration is not > required. If not, faculty, researchers, and students can register at > the link below for free online access until the end of the month: > > https://online.sagepub.com/cgi/register?registration=FTOct2008-35 <https://online.sagepub.com/cgi/register?registration=FTOct2008-35 > > > > Please forward this message, if you think it will be of interest, to > your colleagues, faculty, researchers and students. > > If you have any comments about this free access period or would like > further information please do not hesitate to contact us. > > > Kind regards, > > SAGE > Tel: +44(0)20 7324 8500 > > > > >

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