June 2013 - Air-L - lists.aoir.org

Quantitative analysis of online pornography
by Antoine Mazieres 22 Mar '14

22 Mar '14

Dear IRs, I am looking at available data of online pornography and looked at available studies made out of them. I'm very surprised to mainly only find studies on impact/effect of pornography on humans with almost none study on topology/dynamics/evolution of the object itself. Does some of you have some references in mind that dig in that direction ? (If I manage to arrange a dataset out of available data on public website, I would be glad to share it, let me know if you're interested.) Thanks for your help, All best, Antoine http://mazier.es/

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Call for papers
by Pilar Garces 03 Dec '13

03 Dec '13

CALL FOR PAPERS Journal of Language Aggression and Conflict Language studies have for years tended to concentrate on the analysis of harmonious interactions. However, more recently, the study of acrimonious interaction has started gathering momentum. Therefore, the launching of the Journal of Language Aggression and Conflict (John Benjamins) is a timely event to give center stage to research focusing on the language of conflict and aggression. For more information please visit http://benjamins.com/#catalog/journals/jlac/main The first volume is coming out in June 2013. We would like to invite scholars working in these areas to contribute research papers or book reviews for the third or subsequent volumes. The journal is peer-reviewed and is published bi-annually (March and August). The third volume is due March 2014. Interested colleagues are invited to submit their contributions by the end of December 2013. For questions, please contact: Pilar Garcés Blitvich (pgblitvi(a)uncc.edu) and Maria Sifianou (msifian(a)enl.uoa.gr) Please disseminate this information to any colleagues you think might be interested.

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Re: [Air-L] Let's talk about AoIR
by Sarah Florini 04 Nov '13

04 Nov '13

Hi, all. Let me preface this by saying I’m a pretty newly minted PhD and am not yet wise in the ways of conference organizing. So, my ideas might be logistically unfeasible or outright naïve. I was thinking about Lori’s point that tracks might discourage interaction among people from different fields. It’s a valid point. At the same time, different disciplines and approaches have different “needs” (which have been discussed at length, so I won’t reiterate them here). Is it possible to use tracks for the submission and reviewing process, but not for assembling the program? There could be a variety of tracks that allowed for more flexible submission processes and more targeted reviewing. These could be crafted to insure space for less “straight” research, performances, activist work, etc. that we want to have a home at AoIR (and that many, including myself, feel that the most recent CFP seems to have disadvantaged). But, there could also be a track for the kind of completed, full papers Nichole is talking about. Then, when it came time to put the program together, the tracks could be jettisoned. The panels would be assembled by a non-track centric logic. So, you might have a panel about X and it might be made up of a completed quantitative study what was submitted as a full paper, a theoretical piece, an ethnographic work in progress, and someone doing activist work. (I’m just randomly naming possibilities.) That way the selection process was more targeted to meet different needs. But, then when we actually got to the conference, those disciplinary (and pragmatic needs) didn’t dictate the interactions. Also, I would love to see more discussion on the list. I, personally, haven’t really participated much until now because that didn’t seem to be the way people were using the list. Having this or some other space for discussion would be great. I really like the idea of webinars. I would be down for some webinars. Best, Sarah

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Re: [Air-L] Let's talk about AoIR.
by Nicole Ellison 26 Sep '13

26 Sep '13

Hi again, I know this thread is nearing its end (and the end of some people's patience, no doubt), but I wanted to address Ruth's excellent question to me about the impression that I was suggesting only completed papers (with data/findings) should be submitted/accepted (which was not the case but I can see why my note gave that impression). I think we should work to raise the perceived and actual quality of the conference, I think AOIR should work to be inclusive, and I think there should be formats that support work in progress, discussion-oriented, and "feedback wanted' submissions. I think these are all related. I think Sarah made an excellent point when she wrote: "We're an interdisciplinary organization, and if we want to have an interdiscipinary conference we need to try and find a way to accommodate the disciplinary needs of members. That way people can "fit" AoIR into what they need to be doing for tenure, promotion, travel funds, etc." This is why, for instance, ICWSM (which I am co-chairing this year) offered a "social science track" where people could withhold their papers from the printed proceedings (which don't often "count" for tenure decisions) in order to publish them in journals. We tried to recognize that different fields have different criteria, and to allow social science researchers a way to participate that wouldn't cost them a publication. I believe raising the perceived quality of the conference, making quality more uniform among the presented papers, and offering the ability to submit full, finished papers will increase the inclusivity of the conference, because more people will be able to participate. In my case, for example, as a pre-tenure prof in an R1 institution, AOIR papers did not "count" and thus it was not feasible for me to attend the conference regularly. Too much out-of-pocket money, time away from other projects and my young children, opportunity costs I didn't feel I could afford. I'm sorry if all this talk about counting and tenure decisions is distasteful, and I'm sure this isn't the case for everyone, but I honestly didn't feel like attending was in my best interests given my career goals -- and that's pretty sad, because this conference is far more up my alley in terms of interests and people I adore (like Terri) than others I did attend. I imagine there are others in the same boat, and that these are people whose presence would enrich the conference. My sense is that longer submissions and papers about research that has already been conducted offer are a far better signal about quality than abstracts about studies that haven't been conducted yet. So if we believe that better assessment techniques will lead to better papers being accepted will lead to higher regard in multiple disciplines, having a format for this type of work seems like a good strategy. Regarding work in progress or late-breaking ideas or work that will be completed between submission & conference (which I do think should be part of the conference), there are other conferences we could look for for ideas: - CHI has a work in progress track: http://chi2013.acm.org/authors/call-for-participation/works-in-progress/ - ICA has workshops, where smaller groups get together to discuss ideas around a common topic of interest, and panels, where shorter abstracts are submitted (which are often work that isn't quite ready to write up at that moment) - CSCW allows variable paper lengths, with the idea that the contribution should match the length - ICWSM and CHI offer shorter paper options, such as notes or posters, as well as workshops and tutorials Hope this clears things up a bit. I am also, like others, happy to do more for the organization now that I'm no longer pre-tenure and my kids are a little older. I'm hoping to come to Denver, which I know will be great. I know first-hand how much work and emotional investment go into the paper reviewing and selection process, so I also want to publicly acknowledge the hard work of the organizers. Thanks, guys! Thanks, Nicole -- Nicole B. Ellison Associate Professor School of Information University of Michigan

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Call for Paper: Computers in Human Behavior Special Issue on "Newcomer Participation in Online Communities", Deadline: Sept. 30, 2013
by Aditya Johri 30 Aug '13

30 Aug '13

Special Issue of Computers in Human Behavior: "Newcomer Participation in Online Communities" Special Issue Editors Aditya Johri, Virginia Tech Vandana Singh, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Rosta Farzan, University of Pittsburgh Oded Nov, NYU Polytechnic Online communities have become one of the most common forms of organizations on the Internet. They are integral to the functioning of resources such as Wikipedia and form the backbone of many software development efforts, particularly Open Source Software. Going back at least a decade, researchers have examined various issues related to online communities. They have examined different forms of participation and highlighted the problems encountered in maintaining and growing these communities. One important finding from this literature is that it is critical to nurture and support newcomers for communities to thrive. Newcomers are essential for any organization and their successful participation determines their performance, turnover, motivation, and overall productivity and innovation in an organization. Empirical literature on how newcomers become part of an organization focuses primarily on socialization and assimilation. Studies have examined how newcomers proactively seek information, how information acquisition leads to formation of social relationships and assimilation in the work environment, and how newcomers move from peripheral to full participation within a community of practice. Despite the recognition of the importance of newcomers, few studies have looked at how newcomers actually participate in online communities and what role, if any, technology plays in this process. In this special issue we plan to further explore the role of newcomers in online communities. Some Suggested Research Topics . What role does the experience that newcomers bring with them play in their participation in online communities? How do newcomers influence practices within the community? . How does a newcomer integrate into the community and move from the peripheral circles to the core of the community? . Are newcomers and their support different in different forms of online communities such as Open Source Software or Wikipedia or Citizen Science? . What lessons can we synthesize for learning analytics? . Can newcomers be classified? The special issue will consist of around 8-12 articles. All papers will undergo peer review. Submit any queries to: CHB.newcomer(a)gmail.com. Deadlines April 30, 2013 Abstract submission(optional) (500 words) Submit abstracts to: CHB.newcomer(a)gmail.com May 15, 2013 Initial notification sent to authors Aug. 31-Sept. 30, 2013 Submission of full papers (5000-10,000 words) Submit at: Elsevier system: http://ees.elsevier.com/chb/ November 30, 2013 First round of review feedback January 31, 2013 Revised submissions due March 1, 2014 Final decisions and feedback April 30, 2014 Submission of final manuscripts _______________________________________________________ Aditya Johri Assistant Professor Engineering Education Computer Science (courtesy) Industrial and Systems Engineering (courtesy) 616 McBryde Hall, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg 24061, USA. <ajohri(a)vt.edu><540-231-0653> http://filebox.vt.edu/users/ajohri _________________________________________________________

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Two PhD positions, Department of Media and Communication, University of Oslo
by Charles Ess 30 Jun '13

30 Jun '13

Dear AoIRists, Please distribute the following announcement to potential candidates. (Please also see my personal note, below.) Two PhD positions in Media Studies are open at The Department of Media and Communication (IMK <http://www.hf.uio.no/imk/english/> ). "Media Studies" is defined here as the interdisciplinary study of the modern media, their form and content, institutions and use, their political, social, cultural and aesthetic contexts, using approaches from the Social Sciences and the Humanities The appointment is for a period of 3 years and the doctoral thesis is expected to be completed within the given time frame. The person appointed will be affiliated with the Faculty's organized research training. The academic work must result in a doctoral thesis that will be defended at the Faculty with a view to obtaining the degree of PhD. The successful candidate is expected to join the existing research milieu or network and contribute to its development. Read more about the doctoral degree. <http://www.hf.uio.no/english/research/doctoral-degree-and-career/phd/index. html> Qualifications * A Master degree or equivalent. The master degree or equivalent has to be achieved by the time of application. Qualifications and personal skills In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on * The applicant¹s academic and personal qualifications in order to execute the project * The applicant¹s ability to complete research training * Good collaboration skills and an ability to join interdisciplinary academic communities * The project¹s scientific merit, research-related relevance and innovation Applicants who have recently graduated with excellent results may also be given preference. We offer: * Pay grade 50 - 56 (NOK 421 100-465 300 per year, depending on qualifications) * Professional development in a stimulating working environment * Good welfare benefits For additional information on submission requirements, etc., please see: <http://uio.easycruit.com/vacancy/989777/62047?iso=gb> I would also stress, based on both my experience as a new colleague in the Department and fairly extensive involvement with our current PhD students and post-docs: I believe it fair to say that we offer one of the most supportive and collegial environments around for research, writing, and teaching, most especially for PhD students. As well, the PhD position, in contrast with those in many other places, provides a comfortable income as well, along with generous social-welfare benefits. Finally, at the risk of bragging (just a touch), the IMK stands comfortably among the top 40 best media and communication departments in the world (QS World University Ranking). Many thanks in advance for passing this along. - charles Professor in Media Studies Department of Media and Communication Director, Centre for Research on Media Innovations <http://www.hf.uio.no/imk/english/research/center/media-innovations/> University of Oslo P.O. Box 1093 Blindern NO-0317 Oslo Norway email: c.m.ess(a)media.uio.no

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CFP> Nominations for the 2012 Social Informatics Best Student Paper Award
by Howard Rosenbaum 29 Jun '13

29 Jun '13

SIG-SI: Social Informatics Best Student Paper Award Call for nomination for the 2012 Social Informatics Best Student Paper Award The Special Interest Group for Social Informatics (SIG-SI) and the Rob Kling Center for Social Informatics (RKCSI) are seeking nominations for an award for the best paper written by a doctoral student on a topic informed by social informatics. Nominations may include a published paper in a peer reviewed journal during 2012 or a conference paper presented in 2012. The winning author or authors will present their paper and receive a $500 cash award at the 9th Annual SIG-SI Research Symposium on November 2, 2013 at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) in Montreal. Nominations letters should be sent by July 31, 2013 and must include a full citation, a brief explanation for the nomination, and a copy of the article. Self nominations are acceptable. The nomination s should be sent to Howard Rosenbaum <hrosenba(a)indiana.edu> or Pnina Fichman <fichman(a)indiana.edu>. Winners will be notified by August 30, 2013. For more information about the Special Interest Group for Social Informatics (SIG-SI): http://asistsigsi.wordpress.com For more information about the Rob Kling Center for Social Informatics (RKCSI): http://rkcsi.indiana.edu Pnina Fichman and Howard Rosenbaum

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CFP: ICT4 Democracy Summer school New Delhi 16-22 March 2014
by Jakob Svensson 28 Jun '13

28 Jun '13

ICT4Democracy Summer School 2014 March 16-22, 2014 New Delhi, India Organized by: Society for Education and Research Development -India HumanIT, Karlstad University -Sweden www.serd.org.in/summerschool2014 Introduction Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have emerged as powerful tools for reaching to the ever-increasing information demands of the society. The increasing diversity of ICTs and their equally diverse applications in different domains of human life are posing a lot of questions every moment. Researchers around the globe are working to take-up these questions and challenges. This summer school is focused upon political aspects of ICTs and in particular their role in political and democratic development. The developments of E-government and E-services have been remarkable the last five years and when it comes to ICTs for social and political change, the recent popular uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East have provided us with examples of how information circulation using online platforms can induce processes of democratization and political developments. We are especially inviting participation from students who are at the stage of preparing their doctoral or masters' theses qualifications as well as activists, government officials, practitioners, NGO and aid agency workers to participate in the summer school to share experiences and learn from each other. The school is interactive in character, and is composed of keynote lectures, tutorials and workshops with the presentations from young researchers. The idea is to encourage participants to build up collegial relationships. The topics and angles of this summer school will be relevant for young researchers and practitioners from various academic disciplines as Political Science, Informatics, Computer Science, Media & Communication Studies, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Law and Anthropology. Our aim is to create a good mix of research and practice, theory and empiric material, we cordially invite projects, government organizations, as well as other senior researchers to present papers or to organize workshops as part of the summer school. We are aiming at between 25 to 40 participants and 10 invited faculty members (keynote speakers, workshop organizers, seminar leaders and paper supervisors). Contributions Invite Researchers from all disciplines as well as practitioners and activists are welcome to the summer school. We invite contributions on application scenarios, use cases, and good practices; research with an empirical focus; and inter-disciplinary work. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: E-governance E-government and E-administration E-participation E-campaigning E-voting Role of ICT in Social and Political change ICT for Corruption Fighting, Transparency and Accountability ICT for Civic Empowerment and Gender Equality ICT for Grass roots Media and Freedom of Expression ICT for Poverty Reduction ICT for Peace ICT and Human Rights ICT for Corporate Governaance Contributions will be selected based on an extended abstract review by the Summer School Program Committee consisting of reputed academics, well-known practitioners and activists. Contributions should contain a clear problem statement; an outline; and a clear messages. Accepted short versions of papers will be made available to all participants in the Summer School Pre-Proceedings and on the summer school website. Work in progress is strongly encouraged since the aim of this summer school is for participants to develop and discuss their ideas before having the opportunity to turn them into final papers. Final full papers between 8 and 15 pages in length will be graded by reputed academics and considered for a book publication by Springer edited by the summer school chairs. To submit an extended abstract (max. 700 words in length) please go to the Submission page at the summer school website at www.serd.org.in/summerschool2014 Schedule and Structure of Summer School The summer school will have an integrated week long program consisting of keynotes, workshops, paper presentations, panels and discussions. The aim of the summer school is to encourage a stimulating interchange between all participants from different fields and from different parts of the Globe – be they new researchers, activists or experienced practitioners. The summer school will start on Sunday 16th with registration, welcome addresses and mingle for participants to get-together. This will be followed by the welcome dinner. The following five days, Monday to Friday, will be centered around one theme a day with a morning keynote followed by discussions in smaller groups lead by a reputed academic, activist or professional. The second half of the morning will be devoted to participants presenting their works and discussing them in smaller constellations also lead by reputed academics activists, and professionals. The afternoons will be devoted to workshops related to the theme or study trips organized by research groups, government or development organizations. There will be good opportunity for the participants to work on their final papers, organize own meetings/ discussions with each other and faculty in the evenings. Friday afternoon will be devoted for individual meetings of participants with the faculty mentors to discuss their final papers (students will be allocated to different faculty mentors as per the area of expertise). The summer school will finish Saturday with a sightseeing tour around Delhi. Final papers will be due within two weeks from the end of the summer school. Registration and fee The registration fee includes access to all the sessions during the summer school, workshops and demonstrations, keynotes, Social Programme, lunches and refreshments throughout the summer school and Welcome Reception and Dinner on 16th March. Shared Accommodation of six nights (with breakfast ) is included in the registration fee of USD 450. Else, the participants will have choice to book their own accommodation and go for a registration Fee of USD300. Payment instructions will be made available on the summer school web page. Registration fee (With shared accommodation for 6 nights - checking in Sunday 16th ) USD 450 Registration Fee (Without Accommodation) : USD 300 Important Dates Extended Abstract Submission November 10, 2013 Acceptance/ review note: December 10, 2013 Registration and short paper deadline: February 1 , 2014 Financial Assistance and Grants? We are working hard on getting sponsorship for few participation grants (including travel support) for the best rated proposals. In the event that we will be able to provide such travel grants – the selection will especially target participants from developing countries (with the best reviews). We have not secured this funding yet. Hence, at this stage we are not yet able to sponsor anyone. When we have any more information it will be made available on the website. Hence, there is no need to email us concerning this – just keep an eye on the webpage. Best Paper Award An award for best student paper submitted and presented will be organized, which will be presented during the closing ceremony of the summer school. The paper should be written by the participant her/ himself for consideration of the award. The paper may include the names of the supervisor (s), however any contribution to the paper by other researchers should be made clear. Course Certificates Participation Certificates will be issued to all the participants. Summer School Chairs: Dr. Vikas Kumar, SERD / Asia-Pacific Institute of Management, New Delhi Dr. Jakob Svensson, HumanIT, Karlstad University, Sweden Contacts: Questions Related to the Summer School Should be directed to the summer school secretariat: ict4dd(a)serd.org.in summerschool2014(a)gmail.com Jakob Svensson, Ph. D. Ass. Prof. Media and Communication Studies Director HumanIT Director, BA Programme in Media & Communication Studies Director, MA Programme in Global Media Karlstad University SE-65188 Karlstad, Sweden Telephone +46 54 700 1893 Mobile + 46 73 443 48 04 www.kau.se/media www.kau.se/en/humanit twitter.com/Centre4HumanIT facebook.com/karlstadsuniversitet KAU.SE

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CFP - The Role of Advocacy in Media and Telecom Policy
by Richard Taylor 28 Jun '13

28 Jun '13

Call for Paper Proposals The Role of Advocacy in Media and Telecom Policy A by-invitation experts' workshop New America Foundation September 29-October 1, 2013 What is the role of advocacy in the formation of media and telecom policy and how do we study the engagement of advocates in policy change? Scholars have studied the work of media policy advocates analyzing their framing practices, mobilizing strategies, and how they create (or hinder) political opportunities for policy reform. There seems to be a growing need to study the structural, cultural, and cognitive factors that shape the work of media policy advocates, the processes by which they build capacities, and the impacts of their work on the policies they try to shape, and on inclusive and democratic media governance structures. Should media and telecom policy advocacy be seen as central to the "laboring of communication" (Mosco & McKerger, 2008), a critical form of knowledge work that seeks to redraw the material, symbolic, and normative boundaries defining media fields and practices, or are they merely another "pressure group" whose impact needs to be evaluated in the analysis of the policy process? Does policy advocacy labor serve only a taken-for-granted conception about the policy process or does it challenge and change such conceptualizations? Can the notion of policy advocacy work refocus attention on institutional pressures faced by advocates and researchers of media and telecom policy? The Institute for Information Policy at Penn State University, the Center for Public Policy and Administration at the University of Massachusetts, and the New America Foundation are pleased to announce this call for paper proposals discussing the role of citizens, grassroots organizations, community organizers, action researchers, practitioner-advocates, consumer interest advocates and any other form of advocacy in the media and communications policy field and their work in this field. Authors of the selected papers will be invited to present and discuss them during a 2 day by-invitation-only experts workshop designed to bring together up to a dozen experts to be held at the New America Foundation in Washington, DC between September 29-October 1, 2013. This workshop is part of a series of events focused on "Making Policy Research Accessible," organized by the IIP, with the support of the Ford Foundation and the Media Democracy Fund. (For programs of previous workshops see: https://blogs.comm.psu.edu/iip/?page_id=24) Presenters at the workshop will be invited to submit their completed papers for review by the Journal of Information Policy (www.jip-online.org) Topics of papers may include, but are not limited to issues such as: . Methodologies for the assessment of capacity building and/or policy advocacy projects. . Analysis of the configuration of advocacy networks and advocacy work. . Case studies assessing policy advocacy efforts and initiatives . Theories of policy advocacy and evaluation. . Impacts of advocacy and activism on changes in media and telecom policy. . Proposals for meaningful indicators and frameworks of policy advocacy impacts. . Comparative case studies of advocacy training and capacity-building programs and activities. . Evaluation of policy advocacy work focused on historically unserved or underserved communities. . Assessment of policy advocacy initiatives directed at community and civil society institutions . Historical assessments and lessons learned from previous policy advocacy battles. . Philanthropic and practitioner roles and perspectives on policy advocacy challenges and solutions. . Case studies of academic-advocate-practitioner collaborations. . The niche of media activists within the political economy of U.S. media/telecom policy. . Funding and disclosure in media advocacy and collaborations with political organizations. . Policies to support media policy advocacy and organizations. . What are the obstacles to successful media policy advocacy? . "Best practices" for citizen media policy activist groups . The role of social media in the process of policy advocacy. Abstracts of up to 500 words and a short bio of the author(s) should be submitted to pennstateiip(a)psu.edu by July 31, 2013. Please write IIPNAFCCAMTP: YOUR NAME in the subject line. Accepted presenters will be notified by August 15, 2013.

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Two posts at the Institute of Communications Studies, University of Leeds
by Helen Kennedy 27 Jun '13

27 Jun '13

Lectureship in Media and Communication Studies Available from 1 September 2013 or as soon as possible thereafter You will be required to teach in any area of the ICS curriculum, depending on research expertise and previous teaching experience. This would also include administrative duties related to the teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate modules and the delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. You will have a PhD in a relevant subject area (or the award should be pending, that is, the PhD has been submitted, examined and awarded subject to minor corrections or amendments) at the time of application. You must be able to demonstrate a developing record of research in media and communication studies, with a clear indication of potential to achieve internationally recognised standards of excellence. University of Leeds Grade 7 (£33,230 - £36,298) or Grade 8 (£37,382 - £44,607 p.a.) depending upon qualifications and relevant experience. Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Helen Kennedy, email h.kennedy(a)leeds.ac.uk<mailto:h.kennedy@leeds.ac.uk>. Closing Date: 12 July 2013 --------- Lectureship in Media and Communication Studies (International Communication) Available from 1 September 2013 or as soon as possible thereafter You will be required to teach in any area of the ICS curriculum, especially in modules related to the sub-field of international communication. This would also include administrative duties related to the teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate modules and the delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. International communication in the context of this position is interpreted broadly and may include, for example, research and teaching on aspects of global media, intercultural communication, and communication and development. You will have a PhD in a relevant subject area (or the award should be pending, that is, the PhD has been submitted, examined and awarded subject to minor corrections or amendments) at the time of application. You must be able to demonstrate a developing record of research in media and communication studies, with a clear indication of potential to achieve internationally recognised standards of excellence, in particular in the sub-field of international communication. University Grade 7 (£33,230 - £36,298 p.a.) or Grade 8 (£37,382 - £44,607 p.a.) depending upon qualifications and relevant experience. Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Bethany Klein b.klein(a)leeds.ac.uk<mailto:b.klein@leeds.ac.uk>. Closing Date: 12 July 2013 --------- Dr Helen Kennedy Deputy Head of Institute; Senior Lecturer in New Media, Institute of Communications Studies, University of Leeds (http://ics.leeds.ac.uk/) More about me: http://ics.leeds.ac.uk/staff/h.kennedy

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