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Feminists, Postcolonial Theorists, and Queer Research conversation at AoIR
by Michele White 17 Oct '07

17 Oct '07

Dear Colleagues, The Feminists, Postcolonial Theorists, and Queers Doing Internet Research birds of a feather casual conversation and meeting is not mentioned in the schedule. I wanted to remind everyone that we would be meeting from 5-6pm in room 1510 on Thursday 18 October during the AoIR conference. After our conversation, a group of us will be having dinner together. I look forward to seeing you later this week. We have a related listserv and info is available at http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/femptheoryqueer-aoir.org All my best, Michele

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Follow-up to Netville study
by Keith N. Hampton 17 Oct '07

17 Oct '07

If you are interested in a follow-up to the "Neighboring in Netville" paper that appeared in City & Community in 2003. My longitudinal study that builds on that project is in the current issue Information Communication & Society (iCS): "Neighborhoods in the Network Society: The e-Neighbors study" http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a783039772~db=all~order=pag e Abstract This study examines whether the Internet is increasingly a part of everyday neighborhood interactions, and in what specific contexts Internet use affords the formation of local social ties. Studies of Internet and community have found that information and communication technologies provide new opportunities for social interaction, but that they may also increase privatism by isolating people in their homes. This paper argues that while the Internet may encourage communication across great distances, it may also facilitate interactions near the home. Unlike traditional community networking studies, which focus on bridging the digital divide, this study focuses on bridging the divide between the electronic and parochial realms. Detailed, longitudinal social network surveys were completed with the residents of four contrasting neighborhoods over a period of three years. Three of the four neighborhoods were provided with a neighborhood email discussion list and a neighborhood website. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was used to model over time the number of strong and weak ties, emailed, met in-person, and talked to on the telephone. The neighborhood email lists were also analyzed for content. The results suggest that with experience using the Internet, the size of local social networks and email communication with local networks increases. The addition of a neighborhood email list further increases the number of weak neighborhood ties, but does not increase communication multiplexity. However, neighborhood effects reduce the influence of everyday Internet use, as well as the experimental intervention, in communities that lack the context to support local tie formation. -Keith -------------------------------------------- Keith N. Hampton Assistant Professor Annenberg School for Communication University of Pennsylvania 3620 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 www.mysocialnetwork.net

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Re: [Air-L] Impact of AT&T divestiture on American college and
by John Laprise 16 Oct '07

16 Oct '07

There is probably information available prior to the scope of your research. The long distance market began to be deregulated in the early 1970's and at that time AT&T's competitors were trying to offer cheaper service provisioned with satellite and microwave links rather that the wireline links offered by AT&T. Later-on dorms were probably considered by carriers to be profit centers. High density living space with tech ready consumers...easy to wire up, relatively. If you can strike a deal with the university there are no last mile issues...you dig a trench anywhere you want because the University says its ok. John Laprise Ph.D. Candidate Media, Technology, and Society School of Communication Northwestern University Evanston, IL USA

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Impact of AT&T divestiture on American college and university campus computer networks?
by Kevin Guidry 16 Oct '07

16 Oct '07

All, I am currently trying to piece together a history of technologies provided in American college and university residence halls. I am particularly focusing on technologies used for non-curricular communication and entertainment such as buzzers, telephones, televisions, computer labs, and in-room network connections. I'm really interested in knowing why these technologies were introduced and supported (market forces, consumerism, experimentation, academic uses, etc.). While I certainly welcome input on the broader topic, I turn to you to recommend sources to help me understand what effect, if any, the 1984 divestiture of AT&T may have had on the development of American college and university campus computer networks and telecommunications, particularly computer networks installed in residence halls. From primary and secondary sources, I already know that some institutions (the pioneers, as far as I can tell) began installing and experimenting with in-room network connections in the mid 80s. So the timing is right and it opens the door to examine the possibility that the AT&T divestiture helped spur these particular telecoms innovations and experiments, directly or indirectly. But I need (a) a broad understanding of the impact of the breakup and (b) empirical evidence of impact made on American colleges and universities. Are there particular resources you can recommend to help me understand the impact of the AT&T breakup on large American organizations and the development of computer networks? I have a feeling that there are a handful of definitive descriptions but this is a new area for me to explore and I welcome guidance. Kevin

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MMORPG Survey
by Joseph Simpson 15 Oct '07

15 Oct '07

Hi, I am a graduate student at Oklahoma State University and I am working on my masters thesis. I have just completed the construction of a new survey for MMORPG players. I am using a snow-ball sampling method for my respondants, so I need as much word of mouth support as I can get. The survey measures the impact of gaming as an emotional social ritual on community commitment and solodarity. Any one who has played or is playing an MMORPG is welcome to take the survey and I would apreciate any help in getting the word out. The survey can be taken at my website at www.josephmsimpson.com and if you wish to get a hold of me you can reach me at josephmsimpson(a)hotmail.com. I will be at this years conference in Vancouver presenting if you have any questions my paper session is Religion and Ritual 10:30 on Friday room 2245. Thank YouJoseph M. Simpson B.S. _________________________________________________________________ Peek-a-boo FREE Tricks & Treats for You! http://www.reallivemoms.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM&loc=us

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Position: Director of MS in Interactive Communications Program
by Alex Halavais 15 Oct '07

15 Oct '07

Hello, everyone, If you are not already in the air for AIR--and for those who cannot join us this year--I thought I would note that we are hiring for someone to direct our MS in Interactive Communication program at Quinnipiac University. The official announcement is below. In short, we are looking for a "administrator-professional-scholar"--someone who has experience administering university programs (ideally, online graduate programs), someone who can demonstrate significant experience in the interactive industry (e.g., producer for online news or entertainment), and someone who has a solid grounding in new media theory and practice. If that seems too specific, we're mainly looking for interesting people to work with, and people ambitious enough to be able to foster the top program in the area. Since we pulled from the AIR crowd for our last hire, we hope there may be someone who fits this bill as well, and is looking for a move to Connecticut. Please drop me a note if you are in Vancouver and would like to chat informally about the position, the university, or anything else, for that matter :). Best, Alex Director of Interactive Communications Online Graduate Program The School of Communications of Quinnipiac University seeks an experienced administrator to direct an innovative professionally oriented online graduate program in interactive communications. The M.S. program in Interactive Communications prepares students for career advancement and opportunities as content producers or Web development managers for media companies or other firms that create and distribute information or entertainment online. Our graduates hold key positions in the online divisions of media and advertising companies such as A&E Entertainment Digital Media, AvenueA/Razorfish, CSTV, ESPN, the Journal-Register Co., Tribune Co. Young & Rubicam, and work in online marketing and Web development divisions for regional and global corporations and nonprofit organizations. This is a 12-month administrative appointment. Duties include overseeing curriculum development, student advising and working closely with the Associate Vice President for Online Programs on marketing, recruitment, and corporate outreach efforts. The Director will also teach in the program. This position is available August 2008. An advanced degree is required, and a high level of technical proficiency is expected. Experience in online environments, strong leadership abilities, and excellent communication skills are essential. Previous administrative experience and media professional experience required. The Ed McMahon Mass Communications Center at Quinnipiac University is a state of the art instructional facility and includes an all digital fully high definition television studio and post production facility. Quinnipiac University is a private, coeducational, non-sectarian institution located in Hamden, Connecticut, 90 minutes north of New York City and 2 hours from Boston. The University has 280 full-time faculty and enrolls 5,400 full-time undergraduate and over 2,000 graduate students in more than 50 programs of study in Business, Health Sciences, Law, Liberal Arts, Education, and Communications. Quinnipiac University consistently ranks among the top northern regional universities in US News and World Report's America's Best Colleges. Send letter of application, curriculum vitae and contact information for three references electronically to: Dr. David Donnelly at david.donnelly(a)quinnipiac.edu. Consideration of candidates will begin November 15, 2007 and continue until position is filled. Quinnipiac University has a strong commitment to the principles and practices of diversity throughout the University community and we welcome candidates who would enhance that diversity. -- // // This email is // [X] assumed public and may be blogged / forwarded. // [ ] assumed to be private, please ask before redistributing. // // Alexander C. Halavais // Social Architect // http://alex.halavais.net //

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CFP - deadline extended.
by Radhika Gajjala 15 Oct '07

15 Oct '07

I will be at Vancouver - aoir conference if anyone has questions re this call. ____ DEADLINE EXTENDED: PLEASE SUBMIT ABSTRACTS BY DECEMBER 1, 2007. Title: Everyday 3D Lives: Digital Embodiment, Performativity and Globalization Editor : Radhika Gajjala [ http://personal.bgsu.edu/~radhik ] see blog post from today - at cyberdiva.org/blog Radhika Gajjala Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator School of Communication Studies 302 West Hall Bowling Green State University Bowling Green, OH 43402 http://personal.bgsu.edu/~radhik http://www.cyberdiva.org/blog

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2 PhD games researchers (Utrecht)
by geert lovink 15 Oct '07

15 Oct '07

http://www2.let.uu.nl/Solis/ogc/vacatures.htm GATE research project Design rules for learning through simulated worlds 2 PhD researchers (0,8 fte each) What | vacancies When | starting 1 January 2008, apply before 15 November 2007 Where | Research Institute for History and Culture (OGC), Utrecht University More info: - contact dr. J. Raessens, telephone +31 30 253 6270, e-mail: Joost.Raessens(a)let.uu.nl - extensive description of the GATE programme (Word file) - extensive description of the research project Design rules for learning through simulated worlds (PDF file) Faculty of Humanities Utrecht University, founded in 1636, has developed into one of Europe’s largest and most prominent institutes for research and education. The faculty of Humanities, with over 6,000 students and nearly 900 staff members, offers an inspiring and dynamic working environment. Our research and education programmes focus on culture, history, arts, literature, media, language, philosophy and theology, covering the period from classical antiquity to the present day. We pay special attention to interdisciplinary and international collaboration, the use of new media, and high-quality teaching and research. The research programmes are organised in four institutes: * Research Institute for History and Culture (OGC) * Utrecht Institute of Linguistics OTS (UiL OTS) * ZENO Research Institute for Philosophy * Research Institute for Theology and Religious Studies (INTEGON) The Utrecht University Graduate School of Humanities monitors and guarantees the outstanding quality of education programmes for Research Master and PhD students. The enthusiastic colleagues, the workplaces and excellent facilities both in the modern Uithof and the historic town centre of Utrecht provide a stimulating, professional atmosphere. Moreover, the faculty of Humanities offers attractive terms of employment. Over 300 researchers are employed by the Onderzoekinstituut voor Geschiedenis en Cultuur (Research Institute for History and Culture): OGC. The research of OGC is divided into eleven groups: classical antiquity, medieval culture, cultural history, media studies, music history, art history, (early) modern literature, Oriental studies, international political history, socio-economic history and women's studies. Some of this research, namely the contract research, is done on behalf of third parties. Internationalization has a high priority within the OGC. It has exchange contracts with a number of foreign universities including UCLA in the United States. The Research Institute for History and Culture offers positions for: 2 PhD researchers (0,8 fte each): project 1: Game design as narrative architecture project 2: Persuasive rhetoric in game design Job description The Game Research for Training and Entertainment (GATE) programme is a cooperation of several Dutch universities, research institutes and game development companies. Within GATE, the Research Institute for History and Culture (OGC) of Utrecht University’s Faculty of Humanities executes the research project Design rules for learning through simulated worlds. Within this project we have two PhD positions vacant. The GATE project is sponsored by the Netherlands ICT Research and Innovation Authority (ICT Regie). The interdisciplinary research project Design rules for learning through simulated worlds aims to investigate how media and game theory can be called upon to improve the design and thereby the learning results of educational entertainment and serious games. For that purpose, researchers from different disciplines such as media and culture studies and educational sciences will call upon theories of serious games and gaming in which games are not only designed and played to entertain, but also to educate, train, and inform. These theories will be further developed and critically evaluated in three sub-projects: - The study of storytelling: How narrative structures can be designed to improve learning processes, - The study of persuasive rhetoric: How certain rhetorical strategies can be designed to convince players of certain points of view (e.g. political games), or behavioural changes (e.g. health games), and - The study of multiplayer online worlds and games: How design principles underlying multiplayer online worlds and games can be used to improve learning processes (i.e., make them more effective, more efficient and/or more pleasurable). Each sub-project examines the ways in which the relevant media and game theoretical frameworks can be adapted in order to be used productively for the design of educational computer games. The project leader will write a synthetic monograph in which the results of the three areas are compared, integrated and situated in a broader cultural-historical context. Job description PhD Project 1: Game design as narrative architecture This project assesses various theories of how the medium-specific characteristics of computer games make it possible to tell stories, and how the design of these narrative possibilities can improve the motivation for and learning effects of playing educational computer games. For more information on PhD project 1, see the Research project description. The promotores of PhD project 1 are Prof. dr. W. Uricchio and Prof. dr. P.R.J. Simons, co-promotor is dr. C. Kattenbelt. Job description PhD project 2: Persuasive rhetoric in game design This project investigates how the medium-specificity of computer games make them suitable for persuasive purposes and to what extent and in what ways persuasive strategies can be designed to convince serious-game players of the veracity of a certain point of view – as in games for change – or the necessity of a behavioral change – as in health games. For more information on PhD project 2, see the Research project description. The promotores of PhD project 2 are Prof. dr. W. Uricchio and Prof. dr. P.A. Kirschner, co-promotor is dr. J. Raessens. Qualifications We are looking for two excellent and enthusiastic researchers with master's degrees preferably in the humanities with knowledge and/or experience in the field of media and culture studies, in particular new media and digital culture. With evident expertise in game studies, applicants with other master’s degrees will be considered as well. The candidate should have: experience with conducting research; an affinity with interdisciplinary research; knowledge of the relevant theoretical backgrounds; an affinity with the educational sciences; a good command of the Dutch and English language, both spoken and written. Non-Dutch candidates are expected to acquire a good command of the Dutch language within the first period of appointment. Terms of employment The initial appointment to the positions will be for a 0,8 fte for 1 year that, on satisfactory completion, will result in an extension for an additional 3 years. It is expected that the appointees will complete all requirements for the PhD degree in this period. The expected commencement date is January 1, 2008. The salary is € 1,956.- per month in the first year and is expected to increase to € 2,502.- per month in the fourth year, for a full time appointment, contingent on satisfactory performance. Further details For further information, contact dr. J. Raessens, telephone +31 30 253 6270, e-mail: Joost.Raessens(a)let.uu.nl. Click here for an extensive description of the GATE-project (Word file). Click here for an extensive description of the research project Design rules for learning through simulated worlds (PDF file). How to apply Applications (by regular mail or by e-mail) should be accompanied by: a cover letter in English that sets out the candidate’s motivation for applying for the position, qualifications and suitability and how these will contribute to the project and a motivated preference for one of the PhD projects; a curriculum vitae in English and, where relevant, a list of publications; contact details of two references: names, affiliations, relationship to the applicant, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses; a copy of the MA thesis; and a preliminary project proposal in English within the framework of the PhD project descriptions containing a statement of the research problem, a theoretical framework and a sketch of the methodology that you would use (1000-1500 words). Interested candidates should send their application to the Personnel Department of the Faculty of Humanities, to the attention of Mrs M. Kluver, Kromme Nieuwegracht 46, 3512 HJ Utrecht, The Netherlands. Please refer to vacancy number 68746-project 1 or 68746-project 2. E-mail applications should be sent in PDF or Word format to PenO(a)let.uu.nl, and should specify your name and vacancy number in the message as well as in the topic, include a list of attachments in the message, and specify your name in every attachment. The deadline for applications is 15 November 2007. The interviews will take place in Utrecht, 12 December 2007.

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e-reading limitations
by Cristian Berrio Zapata 14 Oct '07

14 Oct '07

Dear all: I use to digitalize documents to facilitate my students access to information. It is also quite useful when working with virtual classrooms (i.e. Moodle or Blackboard). Unfortunatelly I have found an unexpected problem: With MSOffice suite 2003, Microsoft used to include a program called MS Document Imaging produced under licensce of Scan Soft Inc. It is a *.tif reader which is quite useful (pro versions include tools like underline and notes). Big trouble is that MS decided to exclude it from MSOffice suite 2007, so many of my students are blocked when getting to read. Does anyone of you know about a TIF document reader which is free and has a decent quality? NOTE: Adobe reader does not reconise TIF as it is the competitors' format. Thanks for your help. Cristian Berrio Zapata

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Pre-AOIR Conference Pub Meeting at Tuesday, 16th of October
by simone.heidbrink＠zegk.uni-heidelberg.de 14 Oct '07

14 Oct '07

Dear colleagues and participants of the AOIR Conference, as some of us might be in Vancouver early, we thought of proposing a pre-conference pub meeting at Tuesday, 16th of October 2007 at 7 p.m. at "Malone´s bar and Grill" 608 West Pender Street (close to the Ramada conference hotel, see http://www.malones.bc.ca/) We will be there and (hopefully) guarding a table with an "AOIR" sign, so please look out for us. :) In case you want to join us, we would appreciate if you could give us a short notice by email. But since we will be there anyway, you can also decide spontanously. ;) See you at Malone´s (or later at the conference) Simone & Nadha -- Simone Heidbrink M.A. SFB 619 Ritualdynamik - Teilprojekt C2 Institut für Religionswissenschaft Universität Heidelberg Akademiestr. 4-8 D - 69117 Heidelberg Tel.: ++49-(0)6221-547482 Fax.: ++49-(0)6221-547624 E-Mail: simone.heidbrink(a)zegk.uni-heidelberg.de http://www.rituals-online.de

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