- Air-L - lists.aoir.org

cfp to tweak your interest!
by Stephanie Jo Kent 04 Dec '05

04 Dec '05

Hi all, I want to encourage you to check out the info and cfp for the upcoming conference hosted by graduate students of the UMass-Amherst Communication Department. The following link will take you to my blog blurb and from there to the poster and cfp for Communication in Crisis, CFPs due January 6. http://www.stephaniejokent.com/blog/archives/001860.html I've been mostly a lurker on the list for the past few years and am impressed with the potential for interdisciplinarity. We're hoping for a broad turnout and a wide variety of presenters. Graduate students and faculty are invited to submit, solo or in panels. I hope you'll consider this seriously and please spread the word to anyone you think might be interested. thanks for your time and support, steph Stephanie Jo Kent, M.Ed, CI Doctoral Student, Communication, UMass-Amherst 1852 Sunset Lake Road Brattleboro, VT 05301-9310 kentcon(a)sover.net steph(a)comm.umass.edu http://www.reflexivity.us

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teaching "sociology of the internet"
by Nik John 02 Dec '05

02 Dec '05

before knuckling down to prepare my quite general BA course on the sociology of the internet for 50 or so students, i thought it would be interesting to see how other people have done it. any good course sites out there from which to gain inspiration? any particularly successful online assignments to hear about? thanks nik ---------------------------------- Nicholas John, PhD Candidate Department of Sociology and Anthropology The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

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New ranking study on e-participation in German cities
by Matthias Trenel 02 Dec '05

02 Dec '05

********************* Press Notice 02. Dec. 2005, 08:00 CET Source: http://www.zebralog.de/en/000136.html German cities improve, but still have a long way to go ********************* Today, the Initiative for eParticipation has released its second study on citizen participation over the internet. As last year, Berlin showed the best eParticipation record, Freiburg and Munich made a big step forward. The study analyzed the websites of all 83 German cities above a population of 100.000. A ranking system was applied that rewarded points if cities offered comprehensible and comprehensive information on current political issues, if political decision makers could be addressed through the web, and if citizens were invited for deliberation through discussion forums or chats. The usablity of such participatory projects as well as their integration into political decision making processes was of primary importance. Coder's agreement on their assessment of the cities' websites ranged between 88 and 100%. The results show that German cities have improved their eParticipation record compared to last year's study. However, the large majority of German cities still has not attempted to consult citizens over the internet. Berlin ranked highest because (among other reasons) the city provides a citizen discussion space on its main portal, carried out a couple of online dialogues on town planning issues and had a participatory budgeting project in one of its boroughs (Lichtenberg) where citizens could take part online as well. The study has been commissioned by the Initiative for eParticipation and financed by the following German eParticipation providers and research institutions: binary objects (Berlin), Ingenieurgesellschaft entera (Hannover), Fraunhofer E-Government-Zentrum und Fraunhofer Institut AIS (Sankt Augustin), politik-digital (Berlin), TuTech Innovation (Hamburg), wegewerk (Berlin), and Zebralog (Berlin). The Initiative eParticipation wants to encourage policy makers and adminstrators to make use of internet-based participatory methods when decisions with far reaching consequences for citizens are made. The Initiative is convinced that both technology and methods for eParticipation are ready for use, and so are citizens who are waiting for opportunities to engage. New thinking is needed among politicians so that eParticipation can be employed on a wider scale. The study is available for donwload in German at http://www.Initiative-eParticipation.de 2053 characters Further information can be obtained from: Matthias Trénel eMail: trenel(a)zebralog.de phone: +49 30 6951 8694 fax: +49 30 6162 3681 http://www.zebralog.de/en/000136.html

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CFP: Exploring Gender, Feminism and Technology from a Communication Perspective
by Michele H Jackson 01 Dec '05

01 Dec '05

Women's Studies in Communication invites submissions for a special issue on "Exploring Gender, Feminism and Technology from a Communication Perspective" to appear in September 2006. Across disciplines, studies of technology have been a rich source for understanding women's experience and for advancing feminist theory. The goal of this special issue is to emphasize the contribution of communication practice and/or theory in exploring this relationship. More specific themes within this general emphasis may include examination of women's uses of particular technologies, the gendered nature of technology, the effect of technologies (or technological culture and globalization) upon women's lives, and developing/critiquing feminist theories of technology. Any type of technology may be considered; although they are welcome, manuscripts need not be limited to communication and information technologies. Manuscripts may by theoretical, empirical, or descriptive. For empirical studies, we welcome the full range of methodologies. All manuscripts must be clearly labelled as submissions intended for this special issue and submitted following standard guidelines described at http://www.bk.psu.edu/faculty/ramsey/submissions.html. All submissions will be blind and peer reviewed. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to WSIC Associate Editor Michele Jackson, jackson(a)colorado.edu . Submission deadline: February 1, 2006

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Research Request: Philosophy of Design -- Full-text articles also welcome
by Ken Friedman 01 Dec '05

01 Dec '05

Dear Colleagues, This is a research request for articles and books on philosophy of design. This revises an earlier call. I seek citations, references, and descriptions of articles and books in which philosophers discuss issues that can be applied to design process as well as articles and books in which designers and design researchers discuss or develop a philosophy of design. Propositions and heuristic probes are welcome, along with references to full-formed or comprehensive philosophies. IMPORTANT REVISION: Several authors have been kind enough to send full articles or conference papers. If you have articles or papers you are willing to share, I will welcome them and I will include them in the compilation. Please send contributions, suggestions, and comments to: <ken.friedman(a)bi.no> with the words Philosophy of Design in the Subject: header I will compile all contributions and post them to the list. I will also prepare the compilation as a small anthology in .PDF format. The anthology will include full-text articles for which permission to include has been granted. The author of each contribution will retain the copyright to his or her contribution. Thank you. -- Ken Friedman Professor of Leadership and Strategic Design Institute for Communication, Culture, and Language Norwegian School of Management Design Research Center Denmark's Design School email: ken.friedman(a)bi.no

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second CFP - ECAP'06
by Charles Ess 30 Nov '05

30 Nov '05

We apologize for multiple copies of this CFP. Please distribute widely. Second Call for Papers ===================================================================== COMPUTING AND PHILOSOPHY IV European Meeting E-CAP 2006@NTNU Norway Norwegian University of Science and Technology Dragvoll Campus, Trondheim, Norway, June 22-24, 2006 <http://www.eu-cap.org/> Conference Co-Chairs: Charles Ess (Drury University / NTNU): <cmess(a)drury.edu> May Thorseth (NTNU): <may.thorseth(a)hf.ntnu.no> E-CAP 2006 is generously supported by the Programme for Applied Ethics and the Globalization Programme, NTNU. (E-CAP is the European conference on Computing and Philosophy, the European affiliate of the International Association for Computers and Philosophy (IACAP): see <www.iacap.org> for further information.) ===================================================================== IMPORTANT DATES January 27, 2006 Submission of extended abstracts March 1, 2006 Notification of acceptance May 5, 2006 Early registration deadline June 22-24, 2006 Conference GENERAL INFORMATION >From Thursday 22 to Saturday 24 June 2006 the Fourth International European Conference on COMPUTING AND PHILOSOPHY will be held on the Dragvoll Campus of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. PROGRAM Continuing the foci of the E-CAP conferences (beginning in Glasgow, 2002), ECAP'06 will deal with all aspects of the "computational turn" that has emerged over the past several decades, and continues to expand and develop as a result of the multiple interactions between philosophy and computing. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Dr. Lucas Introna, Centre for the Study of Technology & Organisation Lancaster University, UK <http://www.lums.lancs.ac.uk/profiles/119/> Dr. Raymond Turner, Department of Computer Science University of Essex, UK <http://cswww.essex.ac.uk/staff/turnr/> Dr. Vincent Hendricks, Department of Philosophy and Science Studies Roskilde University, Denmark <http://akira.ruc.dk/~vincent/> RELEVANT RESEARCH AREAS We invite papers that address all topics related to computing and philosophy, including cross- and interdisciplinary work that explores the computational turn in new ways. Hence, the following is intended to be suggestive, but not exclusive: - Philosophy of Computer Science (see <http://pcs.essex.ac.uk/ecap06/cfp.html>) - Ontology (Distributed Processing, Emergent Properties, Formal Ontology, Network Structures, etc) - Computational Linguistics - Global Information Infrastructures - Philosophy of Information and Information Technology (Including: Information as structure; Semantic information) - Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Problem of Consciousness and Cognition - Computer-based Learning and Teaching Strategies and Resources & The Impact of Distance Learning on the Teaching of Philosophy and Computing - IT and Gender Research, Feminist Technoscience Studies - Information and Computing Ethics - Biological Information, Artificial Life, Biocomputation - New Models of Logic Software - "Intersections" - e.g., work at the crossroads of logic, epistemology, philosophy of science and ICT/Computing, such as Philosophy of AI - Ethical and Political Dimensions of ICTs in Globalization SUBMISSION OF PAPERS Authors should submit an electronic version of an extended abstract (total word count approximately 1000 words). The file should also contain a 300 word abstract that will be used for the conference web site/booklet. Final papers must not exceed a total word count of 3500 words and an abstract of not more than 500 words. The submissions should be made electronically, either as PDF, rtf ,or Word format. To submit papers visit <http://www.eu-cap.org/submit> The extended abstract submission deadline is Friday 27th January 2006. For information about paper submission and the program that is not available on the conference web site (<http://www.eu-cap.org/>), please contact the Conference Co-Chairs. REGISTRATION AND FEES Registration will take place through the conference website, <http://www.eu-cap.org/> The registration fee includes the conference reception, conference lunches and coffee and tea breaks, and one ticket to the conference banquet. Discounted ("earlybird") registration fee (prior to May 5, 2006): 200 Euro Discounted registration fee - PhD students: 100 Euro Regular registration fee (after May 5, 2006): 250 Euro Regular registration fee - PhD students: 150 Euro (Masters and undergraduate students may register for the conference at no cost: a fee will be assessed, however, to cover the costs of the lunches and catering.) ACCOMMODATION To book accommodation, please visit the conference web site, <http://www.eu-cap.org/> VENUE The dragvoll campus at NTNU offers excellent conference facilities as well a beautiful physical setting as it overlooks Trondheim and the Trondheim fjord. The city of Trondheim (Norway's ancient capital and home to the Nidaros Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral north of the Rhine) is easily accessible by air and rail, and is itself more than worth the visit. (Beyond city-related information provided on the conference website, start with <http://www.trondheim.com/>) == Charles Ess Distinguished Research Professor, Interdisciplinary Studies <http://www.drury.edu/gp21> Drury University 900 N. Benton Ave. Voice: 417-873-7230 Springfield, MO 65802 USA FAX: 417-873-7435 Home page: http://www.drury.edu/ess/ess.html Co-chair, CATaC'06: http://www.catacconference.org Co-chair, ECAP'06: http://www.eu-cap.org Professor II, Globalization and Applied Ethics Programmes Norwegian University of Science and Technology NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway http://www.anvendtetikk.ntnu.no/pres/bridgingcultures.php Exemplary persons seek harmony, not sameness. -- Analects 13.23

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Call for Papers, The Internet in China Conference
by Randolph Kluver (Assoc Prof) 30 Nov '05

30 Nov '05

Conference Announcement and Call for Papers Fourth Annual Chinese Internet Research Conference "China's Internet and Chinese Cultures" Singapore Internet Research Centre School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University Singapore Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22, 2006 Recent statistics indicate that close to ten percent of China's population is or will soon be online. Today, China boasts the world's second largest online population, behind only the United States. What impact will the Internet and other new media technologies have on China's culture and society? How will China's many people see their social lives, work lives, and relationships changed by the experience of the Internet? In addition, how will China affect the development of the global Internet? The Fourth Annual Chinese Internet Research Conference will focus on these questions and more as we explore the ways in which the Internet and other technologies interact with Chinese cultural and social life. We welcome contributions from any discipline that can address the critical questions. This interdisciplinary conference brings together scholars, analysts, industry leaders, journalists and legal practitioners from around the world to examine the impact of the Internet on Chinese culture, and vice versa. Keynote speakers will address these and other important questions. We welcome proposal submissions from all disciplines. Suggestions for papers might include: Chinese culture and new media technologies Bridging the political divide: the Internet and Cross-Straits Relations Chinese communities and the Internet "Internet pollution" and social impacts "Let a billion voices bloom"- e-government, e-democracy Addressing China's digital divide The Chinese diaspora and the Internet China and global governance (ICANN, WSIS etc) China and Asia's Digital Future (China's role in Internet development in Asia) All proposals will be peer reviewed and should consist of at least 1000 words. Full papers are welcome, but not required. Submissions should be sent via e-mail to the SIRC at sirc(a)ntu.edu.sg by March 1, 2006. The proposals will be reviewed on a rotating basis. Authors will be notified of acceptance by April 15, 2006. If you need an expedited review of your proposal, please include the request with your submission. Selected papers from the conference may be published in a conference volume or a special symposium issue of an academic journal. Participation in the conference neither guarantees nor compels publication of a paper. All participants are responsible for their travel expenses. The conference registration fees will be waived for presenters. The conference language will be in English. The conference will be hosted by the Singapore Internet Research Centre and the School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University and cosponsored by the China Internet Project of UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, the Intellectual Property & Communications Law Program at the Michigan State University College of Law, and the School of Journalism and Communication at Chinese University of Hong Kong. Previous conferences were held at the USC Annenberg School for Communication, UC Berkeley, and Michigan State University. For further information, please contact: Randolph Kluver Singapore Internet Research Centre School of Communication and Information Nanyang Technological University Singapore 637718 phone (65) 6790-5770 http://www.ntu.edu.sg/sci/sirc/ About the Singapore Internet Research Centre ________________________________________ The Singapore Internet Research Centre (SIRC) at the School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, initiates and conducts research related to the Internet across Asia, including East, Southeast, and South Asia. Faculty associates of the Centre engage in wide variety of collaborative research efforts with other researchers around the globe. International collaborative projects include the World Internet Project and the Internet and Elections Project. Randolph Kluver Singapore Internet Research Centre School of Communication and Information Nanyang Technological University Singapore 637718 phone (65) 6790-5770 http://www.ntu.edu.sg/sci/sirc/

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world habitat jam
by Jeremy Hunsinger 30 Nov '05

30 Nov '05

distribute as appropriate The World Urban Forum Invites Your Participation in a Global Internet Dialogue on Urban Sustainability: Habitat JAM December 1 - 3, 2005 What does the executive director of UN-Habitat Anna Tibaijuka; filmmaker Deepa Metha; director of the world's largest conservation group Achim Steiner; award-winning Naga City, Philippines Mayor Jesse Robredo; president of African Development Bank Donald Kaberuka; world- renowned sustainability architect and architect William McDonough; head of India's National Federation of Slum Dwellers Jockin Arpurtham; president of the Canadian International Development Agency Robert Greenhill and twelve thousand other people from around the world have in common? They have committed to participate in an unprecedented online conversation on solutions for making our cities and the lives of the urban poor more sustainable. In the next 50 years, two thirds of the world's population will live in urban areas. UN-Habitat is the United Nations Agency responsible for human settlements that promotes socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with adequate housing for all. The Government of Canada, with UN-Habitat and IBM is hosting Habitat JAM on December 1 to 3, 2005. The World Urban Forum (WUF) is convened by UN-HABITAT every two years. The next WUF will be hosted in Vancouver in June 2006 and is expected to bring together six thousand people to debate ideas and issues about sustainable urban development. What is a JAM? A global 72-hour internet event, the Habitat JAM is part of the preparations for World Urban Forum in Vancouver. During the JAM, people from all walks of life will contribute their ideas and expertise via an online discussion, pioneering a new form of global problem-solving on urgent and controversial issues facing a rapidly urbanizing planet. Habitat JAM will gather input and create actionable ideas for the Vancouver World Urban Forum's agenda. Key topics include improving the lives of urban slum dwellers, finance and governance in cities, sustainable access to water, environmental sustainability, safety, security and humanity, the future of our cities. This is no simple chat room! Designed by IBM, JAM technology offers a radically new form of democratic and pragmatic engagement, and on that promises to empower people to take charge of the decisions and forces that affect their lives. The JAM is a new form of global problem-solving to create a vision, build consensus and turn goals into reality in a world without boundaries. Spread the word - be a catalyst for change - talk to the world! Share your expertise, your experience, your ideas and help bring to light promising ideas and solutions. An unusual and creative engagement process, the JAM is positioned to generate unique insights that have the potential to transform society towards sustainability. Join us. It's free. Register now at http:// www.habitatjam.com. jeremy hunsinger jhuns(a)vt.edu www.cddc.vt.edu jeremy.tmttlt.com www.tmttlt.com () ascii ribbon campaign - against html mail /\ - against microsoft attachments http://www.aoir.org The Associatiion of Internet Researchers

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Re: [Air-l] Blogging basics?
by Alex Halavais 30 Nov '05

30 Nov '05

I think there are reasons blogs *can* be progressive (leaving aside any grand "progress" narratives). In their most innocuous application, they merely provide a way for students to hand in work electronically -- i.e., as a replacement for email. But when they incorporate some of the values often found among bloggers, I think they can lead to progressive uses: 1. They allow a person to orient her own learning and better set the agenda of that learning, rather than centering it on the prof, the class-time, or the class-place. 2. They make the university and academic communication among faculty, students, and the public more transparent, potentially drawing in a more diverse set of opinions, experiences, and objectives. 3. They encourage not only engagement in the university by a wider community, but engagement in the community by students. When students recognize their work is serving more than just the professor (including their peers and others), they take a more active role in participating in those wider groups. Sure, these ideals are not always (or even often) actualized, but blogs at least invite the possibility. Alex -- // // Alexander Halavais // Graduate Director of Informatics // University at Buffalo School of Informatics // http://alex.halavais.net //

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Facebook, myspace
by andrea baker 30 Nov '05

30 Nov '05

Lauren, hi, I just wondered, when you said: At 11:01 AM -0800 11/29/05, air-l-request(a)listserv.aoir.org wrote: >On a design note, it's interesting that sites like Facebook and Myspace >enable this kind of discourse by providing "comments" or "wall posts" that >don't have to be approved or moderated by the user whose profile it is - >whereas this wouldn't be possible on Friendster because users have to >approve testimonials before they appear. > >Lauren Were you sure or did I misinterpret? My observation of myspace suggests that people have to be "friends" of the person to post comments. Is that just an option, or a feature of the place? Also, in the linked article, only the friends commented on the person in Facebook, I believe. Would you elaborate? Interesting stuff, in any case. thanks, andee

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