Saturday, June 30, 2007

Can There Be A Sense of Community In A Virtual Context?

This paper examines if there is a sense of community in a virtual context. It begins by conceptualizing the definition of 'community' and it also seeks to establish the role technology plays in reshaping social relations. The principal contention of this paper is that virtual communities are no less real than traditional or other kinds of community and that their distinctive nature consists in their ability to make communication the essential feature of belonging.


Barry Wellman defined communities as networks of interpersonal ties that provide sociability, support, information, a sense of belonging and social identity. Information and communication technologies have created powerful new expressions of community that go far beyond all hitherto forms of community. Technologically mediated communities - cyber community or virtual community - are bringing about new kinds of social groups, which are polymorphous, highly personalized and often expressive.


Three social forms of technology are identified in the essay 'Virtual Community' by Gerard Delanty: the tool model, the uotopian model and the cultural model. In the tool model, technology is a means to achieve a humanly defined end. Technology was an instrument in the service of human need or purpose. Modernity added to this a second form of technology; technology as an end in itself. With the advancement of modernity, technologies become more and more utopian in its aspiration. The cultural model technology talks about technology being interwoven into the fabric of everyday life and have the capacity to change human nature itself. Technology has embedded and intermeshed with everyday life that it becomes 'socialized', eliminating the distance which all previous communication technologies required.


Secondly, the Internet brings together people worldwide in a sociality and is regarded as a global market which facilitates the exchange of information. The Internet has enhanced the mobility and also the velocities that people experience in everyday life. Sociologically, there is no reason why these forms of reality are less real than other kinds. Virtual interactivity is generating new kinds of 'dwellings' and can produce communion without propinquity because people can imagine themselves as belonging to a virtual community.


Rheingold's view of the Internet defines it as an alternative reality to existing realities and as having the capacity to transform society. His assumption was information and communication technologies are themselves capabale of not only changing social relations but creating new ones. He argued that virtual communities are 'communities' on the Net, suggesting that virtual communities are technological versions of traditional communities. Rheingold also thinks that the Internet can offer new spaces in which community can be reconstituted in meaningful forms with people with common identities.


Castells maintains virtual community is becoming a new kind of reality that has the capacity to transform social relations. He advances a clear thesis that the Internet has a positive effect on social interaction. He argues networks are being built by choices and strategies of social actors, be it individual, families or social groups. Thus, the major transformation of sociability in complex societies took place with the substitution of networks for spatial communities as major forms of sociability. Most on-line communities are 'ephemeral coomunities', which should be understood as 'networks of sociability'.


Calhoun wrote community life can be understood as the life people live in dense, multiplex, relatively autonomous networks of social relationship. Computer-mediated communication adds to existing forms of communication. Virtual communities exist as communities based on shared identities and whose members may rarely meet. It does not necessarily create new social and poliical realities; they strengthen already existing ones, especially in offering a means of linking people with similar taste. His argument that community must be theorized in terms of social relationships of belonging is important in grounding the concept of virtual community. The claim that virtual community is a supplement to existing forms of community has been supported by sociological research: "Online communities" come in very different shapes and sizes, ranging from virtual communities that connect geographically distant people with no prior acquaintance who share similar intersts, to settings that facilitate interactions that focus on issues relevant to a geographically defined neighbourhood'.


In his article 'Networks, Swarms, Multitudes', Eugene Thacker says networks are spatial and the universal properties it displays are not so much evident in the dynamic functioning of the network, as they are static patterns which exist above the temporality of the network. He argues that in a network, affect is disengaged from emotion. Affects can be increased or diminished, aided or restrained. Affects is networked, becomes distributed and is detached from its anthropomorphic locus in the individual.


The computer network brackets the physical presence of the users, by either omitting or simulating corporeal immediacy. The stand-in self can never fully represent us. Today computer's communication cuts the physical face out of the communication process. Without directly meeting others physically, our ethics languishes. Computers eliminate the need to respond directly to what takes place between humans. Electronic life converts primary bodily presence into telepresence, introducing a remove between represented presences, therefore making on-line existence intrinsically ambiguous.


Belonging has been reshaped radically, leading many to question the very possibility of belonging as it disappears into the flow of communication. The result is that place, locality and symbolic ties are being drained of any content, and in their place are more fluid and temporary forms of social relations sustained only by process of communication outside of which they have no reality. As the online culture grows geographically, the sense of community diminishes.


The existence of forums and discussion groups is evidence there is community in the virtual context. It gathers people without the physical limitations of geography, time zones or conspicuous social status. Modernity is constantly displacing the individual, place the familiar everyday world and re-embedding these in different contexts. Our sense of community is pervaded by the realization that the global and local are connected. The information age has brought about a saturation of communication, and with it proximity becomes ever more present in people's lives.


This paper concludes that virtual communities are communication communities - they have made belonging more communicative. People are connecting in globalized social networks rather than exclusively in local communal groups and using new technologies. Computer-mediated communication does not take place in a social vacuum but in social networks. Information and communication technologies empower community networks where these already exist but do not, for most part, create new kinds of community.


I know I bored you people. But I'm worried. How to memorise all this essay? Sigh.


Nvm, I shall reward you all with this!




Blackathy, 12:44 AM


Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Louis Vuitton Ellipse For Sale

I am selling my Alfred Dunhill d-eight canvas bag and Mont Blanc Meisterstück pen. To speed the selling process, I'm placing them on bids.


The starting bid for the Dunhill bag is SGD300 and the Meisterstück is SGD200.


Please email me at lix_81@hotmail.com to place your bid. The highest bidder, by 02JUL07 0800H, would get the item of his choice. Winner would be notified via email. Alternatively, you may bid via eBay.


Marlina is putting her Louis Vuitton Ellipse for bidding as well. Staring bid is SGD300.


Ellipse was bought 5 years back, now retailing at SGD1620.





The body is still superb, with the LV prints very visible.


Why sell so cheap then?


Being 5 years old, there are a few defects, of course.





First, the handles are blackened. But I don't see the problem. After all, your hands would be holding onto the handles and no one would notice them.





Being an old model, the zip does not have LV tag, but has YKK zip. Colour of zip is the same: gold.





Thirdly, there is a patch of stain in the bag. Pen stain. But no one is going to look into your bag right?


Fourth, it does not come with a dust cover or paperbag.


If you are able to overlook these shortcomings, SGD300 is reasonable.


After all, like what I said, the outlook of the Ellipse is still magnificent.


Blackathy, 11:48 PM


Food & Toys

Let me start off with food.


The other day I had wanted to go shopping during my lunch time, I had Rebecca tapao food for me. Since Jasmine wanted Yoshinoya, I ordered the same.





The packaging looks cute.





But I think Yoshinoya is trying too hard to be cute. Can the serving get any smaller?





Last evening, HQ, Sop and I had our last tutorial.



Right. Let's talk about fashion.





Or rather the lack of it.


This guy was parading in his look-i'm-a-peacock-clothing. From 0rch@rd to R@ffles Pl@ce.





I was looking at ties for the past few days. Had wanted to get the middle one, but only DFS has it and it was the last piece. The last one somehow looked nice on the sales personnel but kinda looked geeky here. Ended up I got the first one, but in grey and blue colour. To match my grey pants, of course.





Am waiting for Jacqueline to return from Paris with my cravate.





Have booked my Boheme and can collect it come end July.





Now, have to save for the 838Pro.



Blackathy, 10:33 PM


Sunday, June 24, 2007

Mont Blanc Meisterstück for sale





Mont Blanc. The Art of Writing.


MEISTERSTÜCK PLATINUM LINE CLASSIQUE


Black resin & platinum.





Ballpoint pen with twist mechanism, barrel and cap made of black precious resin inlaid with Montblanc white star, platinum-plated clip and rings.





Cap: Black precious resin inlaid with Montblanc white star
Trim: Three platinum-plated rings with embossed Montblanc lettering
Clip: Platinum-plated clip with individual serial number





Product: RB MST
Model No.: 163P
Individual No.: XF2268356 (engraved on cap)
Date of purchase: 13JUL2005
Retailed at: SGD440


Selling at: SGD290


Remarks: Hardly used. Throwing in one unused free refill, valued at SGD10.


Reasons for selling: Buying Mont Blanc Bohème


Click here.


Blackathy, 12:34 AM


dunhill For Sale





Introducing dunhill d-eight print.


dunhill d-eight is a collection of luxurious luggage with the style and sophistication to suit the most seasoned traveller. The high quality coated canvas ensures durability and optimal strength combined with minimal weight-paramount requirements for dunhill luggage. The collection is finished with dark brown tumbled cowhide leather.


Seen in many previous collections over the years, the dunhill ‘d’ has always been an important design feature of the dunhill brand. Becoming a shorthand for dunhill, the ‘d’ logo has become a globally recognisable iconic symbol.


The distinctive d-eight print on the durable waterproof canvas marks this collection out to the cognoscenti.


The d-eight Canvas is a marriage of perfect practicality and modern form. Combining a brushed, printed d-eight cotton mix with trimmed dark brown grained leather and finished with a webbing strap, in the now distinctive dunhill signature stripe.


This durable and lightweight collection comes complete with reinforced leather corners at the base, brushed antique brass at the fastenings and a plethora of internal compartments, loops and pockets - fitting for a full schedule.


The d-eight Canvas' flap and side trimmings are made of leather. There are 4 main compartments which you can slot your documents in. It also comes with the original dust cover.


The bag was retailed at SGD830.00 and was bought on 10JUN06.


Now selling for SGD450.


Reasons for selling: No use for it. Am getting Mont Blanc briefcase.


Please call me, mail me at lix_81@hotmail.com or click here.


Blackathy, 12:16 AM


Thursday, June 21, 2007

'Photography is no longer an evidence for anything'

The class was to submit two composite images which illustrate and respond to one quotation, using multiple image manipulation techniques to remediate both the text and images of our choices. We were given 5 minutes to present our images.


I took 3 minutes to complete. I felt so shitty.


During my presentation, I interpreted the quote by mentioning photographs can be easily manipulated, and thus lost the originality of the meaning and no longer holds any evidence for anything.


The second interpretation touches on how accentuation of a focal point may mislead the true value of a picture.


Here goes...





And here's what David Savat said:


IMAGE PROJECT COMMENT:


This was an excellent project overall. The images demonstrated a clear demonstration multiple image manipulation techniques, and did so effectively. Especially the ‘diamond’ image was very strong, and it was a clearly resonating message. The presentation was very strong. It effectively made use of imagery, and took the audience through the logical and visual process. The aural component was also terrific, and you came across as confident, clear, and professional. It was well-paced and the engagement was terrific. The organisational component was very strong as well, though the presentation was somewhat below the time limit.


GRADE: High Distinction 90%


Happy.


Blackathy, 11:23 PM


Wednesday, June 20, 2007

10 More Days




Received another gesture today. This time from Yvonne and Jeannie. I love mango sago! Would really miss it once the office moves.


Went to Payments early in the morning to submit the DD application form. David was really nice to drop by to collect my forms.





Finally... the forms are going to reach Australia.


So exciting!


Watch the clip below. It's beautiful.








Speechless uh!


Blackathy, 11:13 PM


Tuesday, June 19, 2007

11 More Days




The three of us haven't sat down for a meal for the longest time. We managed to meet up this evening for a simple fare at Tiong Bahru's food court.





Thereafter, we went to the Admission office where HQ made his final payment for the next module. Sophia and I had prepared our confirmation and transcript forms. Together with the DD application form, we look towards next Saturday.


And beyond.


Blackathy, 10:28 PM


Monday, June 18, 2007

How Far Are You Willing To Go With Me? (Part 1)




Was really surprised Rebecca bought me a bowl of ah boling when I kept insisting I didn't want anything. Guess she die die also want me to try.


I came across this girl, Serene, in friendster. She wrote the following:


as time passes by, the wants and needs of one will change - financial needs,emotional needs,lifestyle needs,bascially everything that will eventually lead them to the wants and needs they desire. One will defintely demand more and more as they grow. Some may realise what they really want in a man/woman that they would love to walk down the aisle with is total opposite with the one they're with now,some may realise that "oh, this is actually the lifestyle that i'm longing for ",some may realise that "what am i doing?wasting my life because of a particular someone or something??" Well...i've realise many things along this path of life that i've choosen...some good things...some not very good things...and some really bad things...All these help me realise the love of God has for me and everyone else. To me love is a powerful feeling/action that one can portray. Love gives u the happiest feeling and so does it gives u the most excruciating pain and hurt u'll never want to go thru. I want to be a person filled with love. I'll walk thru the path of love with my defender in heaven +

+ Love is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it eludes you. But if you just let it fly, it will come to you when you least expect it. Love can make you happy and often it hurts, but love's only special when you give it to someone who is really worth it. So take your time and choose the best. Love isn't about becoming somebody else's 'perfect person.' It's about finding someone who helps you become the best person you can be.


And Stan wrote the following:


You ever wonder if there is just one person out there for everyone....i mean how are u suppose to know who that person is? or if you've missed that person? or you can't see that person? or simply given up on that person? what if you never get another chance? Someone should write a damn book or something about this whole find your soulmate or the one person out there that's right for you, i mean is there really just one?? could there be ten? a hundred? . I mean most of us have had more than one relationship...does that mean all the other ones didnt count when you find the one? or what if they all felt like the one? or maybe you just felt something else and mistakened it for that feeling? I mean every single move or decision you make in your life is fate and it alters your future and the decisions you will make after, what if you were suppose to do something you didnt, or not suppose to do something you did, you know when people say something just feels right? what is the definition of that? what if feeling right varies for everyone and you just say it feels right cause you think it does, but really it doesn't. maybe love is just overrated and so blown up by the media and society as a whole that we tend to overlook the little things that make us happy. Simplicity seems to be the new trend in everything... from relationships, to daily activities, way of thinking, life in general i presume. But than there is just this obsession with keeping oneself happy, must we always be happy? are we not allowed to feel unhappy sometimes? is it a crime? i think a life where u believe that EVERYDAY is just pure bliss and joy and ur just happy for the sake of it, is just bs, cuz honestly it's impossible. Anyways NO i'm no bitter...






This post is written in an attempt to define love and how to determine the Right One, in view of the new Channel 8 show tomorrow. One guy, with 3 girls. Lucky bastard. But I'm too tired to write. Hope to do so soon.


Night bitches.


Blackathy, 11:28 PM


Sunday, June 17, 2007

Randomness

Thanks Sop, for Michael Buble's.


A 1.3 Swift (PI) now goes for S$35,000.

A 1.6 Civic for S$67,200.

A 1.6 Mazda 3 for S$58,289.

A 1.8 Ralliart Lancer Turobo for S$65,988.

An 1.6 Imprezza for S$54,888.

An Alfa 147 Selespeed for S$79,078.

An 1.8 Opel Vectra for S$87,888.





Work has been crazy. Till the extent a few had broken down in office. The stress level amounted to a new high. Lunches are now scheduled on a one-to-one basis. No longer am I lunching with Asri/Jas/Liz. Thank goodness there's Jon, Gwen and the rest. And yes, Samantha is coming back!





It's funny how 2 guys can meet up for lunch and have cakes. But we were so full that day we thought we had something light. But end up spending more if we had a proper plate of chicken rice.


It was nice to have a few girls pampering you at the same time. But comforting words are not what I seek. I didn't mind the bread, chendol and Yakult they have been showering. Lol.


But I have yet to open the Sins Gerrie got for me. I may be a fan of chocolates, but I find it wasteful to just pop a $3-4 ball into my mouth.





Yey, I have started wearing on my new shoes! lol. Talk about randomness.






To those who love sunflowers.





But isn't this over-doing it?





But no one can over-do it than Venka.


Was good seeing the rest but a pity some had chosen to fly aeroplanes.






In any case, it still feel weird to start drinking at 1.


Happy birthday, Venky.


Next up, steamboat on Sat.


Blackathy, 10:33 AM


Monday, June 11, 2007

Waikit & Michelle (Part 4: The Wedding Luncheon)




Couldn't put myself to sleep again. With another disturbed 4 hours of sleep, I was awake to pick Gerrie and Dan up.





We were early to see how we could help. I guess the only contribution I did was to dress the groom up.





The restaurant was nicely decorated and I like the purple romantic theme. It was about 11 only so the groom and bride did a dry run on the march-in. Then they were off to dress up.





The early birds.





Gerrie and me.





HQ and me.





Kimmy and me.





The gang.


The luncheon was really good. I don't believe in favourites. The red wine that was served later tasted good.





The boys and Kimmy





The boys and girls.





And after the luncheon, we accompanied WK to Conrad.





And like how we say, Wk and Michelle will live happily ever after.


Blackathy, 11:06 PM


Sunday, June 10, 2007

Waikit & Michelle (Part 3: The ROM)

And so...


After the 'punishment' stage, family photos were taken and we had our lunch. The couple couldn't find time to eat though, as we had to set off to WK's place.





There was another round of luncheon but I was too tired to have anything. We were sitting outside his house whilst the tea ceremony was going on. More photos of the brothers and sisters were taken before we set off to Michelle's place once more.





This is the 520 used to ferry the couple.





This is the 730. Both cars are owned by the same person.


-.-"





We waited awhile before the ROM ceremony began. The vows and rings were exchanged and that signifies a new beginning for the couple. =)


More photos are taken and finally, the brothers and sisters' gang headed to Bukit Gombak for outdoor shootings.





On my way to Orchard, I spotted this car...





Plate without any numerics.





Someone wants to be my fan! =)


Blackathy, 9:07 PM


Waikit & Michelle (Part 2: The Punishment)

The gate wasn't locked when we entered. But it wasn't as innocent as it seemed. The girls had been waiting for us in the house and demanded that all of us should wear diapers.





Girls these days have weird fetishes.


While the rest tried to bargain with the girls to open the door, some of us walked to the back door but the maid was told not to open the door for us. -.-"





Meanwhile, the girls wanted to us to go to 9 different neighbours' houses to collect their signatures and well-wishes. Problem is some of their neighbours didn't want to come out of their houses.





But I guess we did it with some perseverance.


Upon returning to the house, we were made to eat the American blue cheese. Some of us couldn't take it, but I thought it was nice. Like what Gerrie said, I should have asked for a glass of red wine to go with it. Lol.





Then we proceeded to the courtyard and had to parade our asses. The diapers included some letters and we had to form 'Darling I love you'. The dance we did wasn't exactly Jennifer Lopez standard. Lol.


We were made to sing a song then but that wasn't the saving grace.


The next game on the girls' checklist included passing peanuts by peanuts with our mouths. But the guys decided to pass the entire bowl, which made things quicker. The girls were lenient though; they allowed WK to form the words, "I love you' with a pair of chopsticks.





So schweet!


Then WK had to sign an informal contract of his promises to Michelle. Concurrently, Dan helped to eat biscuits littered with chilli. That was horrible lah. To show his sincerity, WK downed two cups of who-knows-what-was-put-inside-the-cups.


At 12, the girls let us into the house but the door to Michelle's room remained locked. Waikit couldn't wait any longer and at a slightest chance the door was opened, he rushed into it.


He knelt down and read out his promises and they sealed with a kiss.


Beautiful.


Blackathy, 8:56 AM

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