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

CAT User Survey Starts Next Week
by Stuart Shulman 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

Folks, On Monday, all holders of Coding Analysis Toolkit user accounts and sub-accounts will receive a 'token' via email from the University Center of Social and Urban Research. This unique "link" will take you into a 10-20 minute web-based survey we have spent most of the semester crafting. The CAT system has grown steadily from a comparison/adjudication tool, to a full-fledged coding and analysis system. We are also beta-testing our new Blog Scraper, which will archive blog posts for you and output them in CAT-ready format. https://surveyweb2.ucsur.pitt.edu/qblog/page_login.php (blog scraper tool) To complete the survey, you will need to have used and be familiar with at least some part of CAT. The survey will be open until May 15. Anyone who has completed the survey and who has uploaded datasets to CAT (with the exception of friends & family) will be entered in a drawing for an iPod Nano worth ~$200. We will give away one Nano for every hundred (or portion of a hundred) completed surveys. If there are 101 completed surveys, we will give away two Nanos. At this point there are more than 250 primary account holders and 100 sub-account holders. We see that a core group of about 50 primary account holders have datasets loaded and sub-accounts created. We would very much like to increase this number. This web survey will let us know what direction to take the toolkit and it will provide fodder for an ongoing study by myself and my PhD student. If at all possible, please take the time to upload even just a very small dataset and give CAT a try. Numerous improvements have resulted from past feedback. We hope you will join the active user group and take the time to complete the survey. You can generate a dataset using the blog scraper tool or your can download sample data and codes at: http://www.qdap.pitt.edu/data/Sample_Data_Codes.zip You can also prepare your own data following instructions at: http://www.qdap.pitt.edu/cat-dataprep.htm Finally, you can learn about "Loading and Coding Raw Data" via a narrated tutorial slide show at: http://www.qdap.pitt.edu/cat-tutorial.htm This is an exciting time in the history of CAT. We recently added a second programmer and have seen the system move steadily toward our goal of making it the best human annotation system out there. With your help, it will reach that goal. thanks, Stu

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irb article worth perusal
by Jeremy Hunsinger 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

“How Talking Became Human Subjects Research: The Federal Regulation of the Social Sciences, 1965-1991,” forthcoming in the Journal of Policy History. http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1124284

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animations of social networks: new release of visone (freeware) (Loet Leydesdorff)
by Jeremy Hunsinger 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

> > > Analysis, Visualization, and Animation of Social Networks using Visone > (Dynamic CREEN edition based on visone-2.3.X; Copyright 2001-2008 > visone > project team.) > > This edition visone-2.3.X adds the handling of dynamic networks to > visone > (http://www.visone.info) notably: > > * the computation of layouts for dynamic networks > * the animation of structural and analytical network dynamics > > See for more information at http://www.leydesdorff.net/visone/ > index.htm > > One can download a stand-alone version of the program from > <http://www.leydesdorff.net/visone/visone-2.3.X.jar>; webstart of the > program is available from > <http://i11www.iti.uni-karlsruhe.de/members/schank/visone/ > visone.jnlp>. > > ** apologies for cross-postings > > ________________________________ > > Loet Leydesdorff, > Amsterdam School of Communications Research (ASCoR), > Kloveniersburgwal 48, 1012 CX Amsterdam, > <mailto:loet@leydesdorff.net> ; http://www.leydesdorff.net/ > > > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > prime mailing list > prime(a)step.no > http://mail.fastline.no/mailman/lists/step.no/listinfo/prime-step.no > > > End of prime Digest, Vol 37, Issue 3 > ************************************ Jeremy Hunsinger Information Ethics Fellow Center for Information Policy Research () ascii ribbon campaign - against html mail /\ - against microsoft attachments http://wiki.tmttlt.com http://www.tmttlt.com You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus. --Mark Twain

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Internet as Political Tools : Indramayu Farmers going online
by Imam Ardhianto 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

Dear AOIR members, I've been helping farmers in producing blog sites on their achievement of their modern-local sciences practicess of Farmer Field School. The awareness of a political significants media such as internet are the implications of their capacitiy to connected through wide range networks of academicians. the precedents of this actions are the collaborations productions of Bisa Dewek Documentary film between department of anthropology university of Indonesia and IPPHTI (*Ikatan petani Pengendalian Hama Terpadu Indonesia)*. It is interesting that internet are being used as political vehicles, the use and the interpretations of internet media are becaming political to gain funds and national/international acknowledgement of their knowledge development in their activity. the blog sites are, IPPHTI-Indramayu.Blogspot.com. Thanks. Imam Ardhianto Center of Anthropology Studies, University of Indonesia Depok, West Java, Indonesia

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Barry and NetLab have moved
by Barry Wellman 24 Apr '08

24 Apr '08

Dear Friends, After nearly 39 years of my being at Toronto, I -- and NetLab -- have moved away from the Centre and Community Studies and to the Sociology Department. It's a bittersweet moment, leaving behind old friends and many memories but having more intensified contact with my sociological colleagues. My new coordinates are below. I am only giving out my phone number on request, basically because I haven't figured out the new voice mail system. The reasons for the move are complex. Don't ask me on email, but I'll be happy to talk with you when next I see you. I'll be at the ICA meetings in Montreal late April, l'Ecole Ete in Montreal early July, the Rurals in Manchester NH late July, and the ASA meetings in Boston early August. Cheers, Barry Wellman _______________________________________________________________________ S.D. Clark Professor of Sociology, FRSC NetLab Director Department of Sociology University of Toronto 725 Spadina Avenue, Room 388 Toronto Canada M5S 2J4 http://www.chass.utoronto.ca/~wellman fax:+1-416-978-3963 Updating history: http://chass.utoronto.ca/oldnew/cybertimes.php Elvis wouldn't be singing "Return to Sender" these days **** PLEASE NOTE NEW ADDRESS AND FAX NUMBER **** _______________________________________________________________________

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Couch Award Deadline Extended
by Mark D. Johns 24 Apr '08

24 Apr '08

CALL FOR AWARD APPLICATIONS *Deadline Extended* Carl J. Couch Internet Research Award 2008 Sponsored by the Carl Couch Center for Social and Internet Research http://www.cccsir.org/ The Carl Couch Center issues an annual call for student-authored papers to be considered for Carl J. Couch Internet Research Award. The Couch Center welcomes both theoretical and empirical papers that (1) apply symbolic interactionist approaches to Internet studies, (2) demonstrate interactive relationships between social interaction and communication technologies as advocated by Couch, and/or (3) develop symbolic interactionist concepts in new directions. Papers will be evaluated based on the quality of (1) mastery of Symbolic Interactionist approaches and concepts and Couch’s theses, (2) originality, (3) organization, (4) presentation, and (5) advancement of knowledge. Evaluation will be administered by a Review Committee of four: Dr. Mark D. Johns, Luther College, Decorah, Iowa Dr. Lori Kendall, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Dr. Annette Markham, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Dr. Dennis Waskul, Minnesota State University, Mankato Competition is open to graduate or undergraduate students of all disciplines. Works that are published or accepted for publication are not eligible for award consideration. Entries should not exceed 30 pages (approximately 7500 words) in length, including references and appendices. Limit of one entry per student per year. The top three papers will receive Couch Awards to be presented at the 2008 meeting of the Association of Internet Researchers (aoir.org) at the IT University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The top paper will be awarded a certificate and a cash prize of $500 US, runner up will receive a certificate and a cash prize of $300 US, and a third paper will receive a certificate and a cash prize of $100 US. All three authors will be invited to present their work at a session of the AoIR conference, October 15-19, 2008 in Copenhagen. Those interested should send a copy of their paper, with a 100-word abstract, electronically to Mark D. Johns at mjohns(a)luther.edu Application deadline is *extended* to May 2, 2008. Notification of award will be sent by June 16. Those with questions or comments about Couch Award application, please contact: Mark D. Johns Dept. of Communication Studies Luther College, Decorah, IA 52101 USA Tel: (563) 387-1347 E-mail: mjohns(a)luther.edu

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ECPR Summer School in Ljubljana: Interactive Qualitative Data
by Gregor Petrič 23 Apr '08

23 Apr '08

*** Apologies for cross-posting *** ************************************************ ECPR Summer School in Methods and Techniques 2008: For those interested in qualitative data (Ethnography, Interviews, Focus groups)and collecting data with information-communication technologies, special attention to the course: INTERACTIVE QUALITATIVE DATA: ONLINE AND OFFLINE ETHNOGRAPHY, FOCUS GROUPS AND INTERVIEWING The course will cover three different methods for collecting qualitative data in both offline and online contexts. The first week will first cover ethnographic fieldwork', concentrating on participant observation at specific field sites, to examine social processes and the production of meaning in those settings. Second, individual interviewing techniques will focus on in-depth conversations that investigate research participants' experiences with and perspectives on the research topic. Virtual ethnography and online qualitative interviews will also be introduced, including lessons about how to participate in political, social and cultural settings online, as virtual fieldworkers and online interviewers. The second week will provide an in-depth examination of focus group interviewing: * how to design projects using focus groups, (selection and recruitment of participants, etc.); * how to write interview guides; * how to moderate focus groups. For each topic, there will be a presentation on the variety of available options, followed by a discussion on how to evaluate these options for specific research purposes. These topics will be covered for face-to-face as well as online focus groups. The instructors will give lectures, conduct example focus groups, interviews online and offline, and lead hands-on exercises so that participants receive practical information and tips. Course Instructors: Prof David L. Morgan, Portland State University dr Bojana Lobe, University of Ljubljana For more information and registration details, please visit: http://www.essex.ac.uk/ecpr/events/summerschools/ljubljana/index.aspx

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CfP: Making Links 2008, Melbourne, Nov 11-13
by Marcus Foth 23 Apr '08

23 Apr '08

Making Links 2008: Community - Responsibility - Sustainability The conference where social action and technology converge 11th - 13th November 2008, The University of Melbourne http://www.makinglinks.org.au/ We look forward to welcoming you to Melbourne on 11th - 13th November. In addition, for the first time we will be including an afternoon bus tour of community ICT and digital divide initiatives around Melbourne. This will be followed by a mini film festival showcasing community- based short films and digital arts at Melbourne's famous digital arts venue the Horse Bazaar. You can keep an eye on how plans for the conference are progressing at the Making Links website and get in touch with other delegates via the Making Links Facebook group. Registrations will open in May. Making Links 2008 facebook event listing: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=18098235803 Making Links facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7075421142 CALL FOR PAPERS In 2008, Making Links focuses on how technology can enhance and support social inclusion. As usual, the conference will also include practical skills-building sessions and networking opportunities for workers and volunteers in community organisations who work with and/or are interested in web development, multimedia, Web 2.0 and mobile technology. We seek proposals for oral paper presentations, workshops and multimedia displays. A computer lab will be available for technical workshops. Abstracts and proposals should be submitted at http://www.makinglinks.org.au/ and will be reviewed by the conference committee. Selected presenters will be invited to submit a paper for double blind peer review and consideration for a 2009 special issue of 3CMedia, the Journal of Community, Citizen’s and Third Sector Media and Communication. The themes listed on the website are a guide to the kinds of questions that are of interest to the conference. We welcome proposals for oral presentations, case studies and practical workshops. If you'd like to discuss your ideas with someone, the contact details for committee members in five states are on our website. Conference Committee Conference Chair Jill Sergeant, Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations Organising Committee Marcus Foth, Creative Industries Faculty, Queensland University of Technology Nathan Frick, Vibewire Simon Gee, DonorTec / Connecting Up Sriram Guddireddigari, Infoxchange Australia Jonathan Hallett, WA Centre for Health Promotion Research, Curtin University of Technology Jason King, Consultant Liliana Ruti, Information and Cultural Exchange Juan Salazar, Media Studies and Production, University of Western Sydney -- 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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CFP: Workshop on Research 2.0, 18 June 2008, Manchester, UK
by Yuwei Lin 22 Apr '08

22 Apr '08

*** Apologies for cross-posing *** CALL FOR PAPERS Workshop on Research 2.0 18 June, Manchester (To be held in conjunction with the 4th International e-Social Science conference, 18-20 June 2008, http://www.ncess.ac.uk/events/conference/) ---------- Background ---------- Contemporary research challenges increasingly demand collaborative and cross-disciplinary methods. In recognition of this, research funders worldwide have, in recent years, invested substantial resources in building large-scale and networked e‑Infrastructure (or Cyberinfrastructure as it is known in the US) and tools. These tools include virtual research environments (VREs) and virtual observatories. However, these Grid-based, heavy-weight computing infrastructures, driven as they largely have been by the needs of researchers requiring High Performance Computing or High Throughput Computing, do not necessarily address the different needs of scientists across the full range of research areas and disciplines. Consequently, what we now observe is a ‘grass roots’ led appropriation by these latter groups of more flexible, lightweight, easily configurable and rapidly deployable technologies originating from the Web sphere. Web 2.0 promises a peer-to-peer, dynamic environment that extends beyond one-way presentation of information, and engages large numbers of Internet users to create, annotate, review, reuse, recreate, and represent the information publicized on the Web. Well-known Web 2.0 tools include wikis, blogs, folksonomies, Web feeds, websites for sharing digital objects such as videos, photos, slides, bookmarks, professional networking, especially for business contacts and job-search and various other web-based social networking platforms, which provide a variety of ways for users to interact. For the developer, Web 2.0 is characterised by a set of tools and technologies which facilitate rapid development of Web site functionality, including the creation of ‘mashups’ drawing on functionality from multiple sites, using a community software development model. Participation in online, social networking activities has become highly popular in contemporary society. Commercial websites integrating with a range of Web 2.0 tools have created a new discourse, replacing the static, top-down nature of Web 1.0. Web 2.0 is also changing the way we do research. It has been envisioned that a well-designed social networking site can facilitate communications between scientists at different physical locations and in different disciplines, and can encourage them or at least make it easier for them to share their data and findings, and possibly recreate and reuse these resources. Research 2.0 is the term commonly used to describe the extension of Web 2.0 tools to support academic and other research. But do all lessons we have learnt from generic social networking sites apply to scientific social networking ones? Or are there any substantial differences between the two, given the specific needs of users working in scientific field? ---------------------- Format of the workshop ---------------------- This one-day workshop, which will be held in conjunction with the 4th International e-Social Science conference at Manchester, aims to map current territory of Research 2.0 (What Web 2.0 applications exist in research and how have they been adopted), and to identify the opportunities and challenges in the development and implementation of Research 2.0. It will consist of a number of short papers and a discussion session identifying promising research directions and initiating interdisciplinary collaboration. --------------------------------------------------- Topics of interest include (but are not limited to) --------------------------------------------------- * new Web 2.0-based technologies for facilitating scientific work * design and evaluation methodologies for Research 2.0 sites (including new research methods such as virtual ethnography) * usability and performativity issues of Research 2.0 sites * cultural, legal and social issues around Research 2.0 * case studies on scientific use of web 2.0 tools and concepts * how Research 2.0 shape the production of scientific knowledge (Do Web 2.0 applications in research make a difference to existing Internet applications like email, content management systems or newsgroups?) * good practice of engaging users and fostering a Research 2.0 community --------------------- Submission Guidelines --------------------- Participants interested in presenting a short paper should submit a 500-word abstract to Yuwei Lin <yuwei.lin(a)ncess.ac.uk> not later than 15 May, 2008. All submissions will be reviewed by the workshop organisers. --------------- Important Dates --------------- Abstract submission: 15 May, 2008 Author notification: 19 May, 2008 Date of Workshop: 18 June, 2008 ---------- Organisers ---------- Yuwei Lin (University of Manchester) Rob Procter (University of Manchester) Meik Poschen (University of Manchester) Rachel Gibson (University of Manchester) David De Roure (University of Southampton) For further information please see http://www.ncess.ac.uk/events/conference/ -- Dr. Yuwei Lin ESRC National Centre for e-Social Science (NCeSS) University of Manchester Arthur Lewis Building 2C Manchester M13 9PL UK T. +44-(0)161-2751388 F. +44-(0)161-2751390 W. (work) http://www.ncess.ac.uk W. (personal) http://www.ylin.org

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Update from your Internet Research 9.0 conf chair (registrations etc)
by Lisbeth Klastrup 22 Apr '08

22 Apr '08

Hi all, For those of you who got a paper accepted for the Internet Research 9.0 conference (aka AoiR 9) and/or are planning to attend it, I thought it was about time to give you all a little update regarding the conference planning, here from the organising committee here in Copenhagen, Denmark. I plan to post a few more of these updates, as the conference approaches. Let me start by thanking program chair Brian Loader and all the track directors for the wonderful and efficient work they have all been doing, processing the paper submissions for the conference. There were a lot of them, and a lot of them were very good and hence accepted, so we are looking at what I think will be a very interesting, diverse and great programme! REGISTRATION?!! I know a lot of you are wondering when and where it will be possible to register for the conference. We are working on it, and we hope to have it online at the http://conferences.aoir.org website in a not too far future (talking max a few weeks, not months..). We wanted to integrate workshops in the registration and we needed to get a good deal for our conference banquet in place(not easy, sadly), so that's some of things that's been keeping us from putting it online already. If you have any questions regarding the registration, for instance because you need to apply for money with your institution soon, please write to the conference email: <ir9conf(a)itu.dk> and we will help you as best, we can. Please do not hassle our hardworking program chair (Brian Loader) with inquiries, he has enough on his plate as is! - We will of course post to the list, as soon as the registration is online! ACCOMMODATION AND CONFERENCE VENUE Accommodation booking is _not_ a part of the registration, so you will have to attend to that seperately - which will also give your more freedom of choice. On the conference website, under the menu point "Accommodation" (left-hand menu), we have listed three hotels, with which we have made some good deals plus a very good central hostel (with which you can also book rooms for 2-4 people). We recommend you try booking with these as soon as possible. If you are wondering how close or far these hotels or others are from the conference venue (the IT University: www.itu.dk) you can for instance try plotting in the address of the University on a Copenhagen Google map. The address is "Rued Langgaardsvej 7, 2300 Copenhagen S" (or København S). Geographically, the university is a little outside the city centre to the right, on the Amager Island, which is connected to the central part of Copenhagen with two bridges. It is right next to the "Københavns Universitet Amager" and "Emil Holms Kanal", both locations currently clearly visible on the Google map. - Also, the university is conveniently located quite close to the "Islands Brygge" and "DR" metro stations (blue "M"s on the map), so hotels close to a metro station is always a good choice. FACEBOOK GROUP FOR THE CONFERENCE For those of you hanging out in there..., I have made a Facebook group titled "Internet Research 9.0 conference". http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=23669370880. The group already has 267 members (!) and I try to disseminate news about the conference through that as well. Through the group, you can now also sign up for the Internet Research 9.0 conference event. CONTACT If you have any practical questoins regarding the conference, related to travel, accommodation, venue, equipment, fees, Denmark etc, please do not hesitate to contact the conference secretariat at <ir9conf(a)itu.dk>. Either conference organiser Anna Sommer or I will then attend to your inquiries. I hope to see many of you in October :) Liz Klastrup, conference chair

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