The Edutainer!

2008-03-12T22:07:00.000-07:00

Muppet Park

Edited and Created by Jeffrey J. Macias

2007-12-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

Slim Mater

A never considered movie trailer.
by Jeff Macias

2007-11-12T22:37:00.000-08:00

OG1 formers

The way I remember them anyway.

2007-09-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

Radio Sweepers

Three edited radio sweepers for a fictional radio station.

2007-09-12T23:19:00.000-07:00

How to begin Podcasting

by Jeffrey J. Macias

2007-07-16T23:30:00.000-07:00

My Podcast

2007-04-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

EyePod Candy

by Jeff Macias, 2007

2006-12-11T13:26:00.000-08:00

An update to an International website search project, on The Paris Pages.

2006-12-09T23:23:00.000-08:00

What kind of media consumer am I now?

Wide eyed, interested, informed, alert, and yet still so very entertained. I am open to new ventures of up and coming mediums. Television is running media convergence programming like iVillage.com, where online chatrooms meet live broadcast TV. I'm interested in the underlying messages placed not only in advertising, but in the reasoning in the creation of programs, and the influences they've been subjected to or have on masses. Being bombarded by media does not take an alert eye, but deciphering it does. I don't know if my studies have improved my being entertained by media, for in exact opposition I now find that I question why I watch/listen to such programming now. I feel confident in my knowledge of protection from the rain of messages that I live. As I've grown away from some media, I've gained interest in others. Twenty years ago, a talk radio fan, I thought, "Never!" Alas, here I am. A subtle transition so unnoticable from FM music, to morning show banter, then AM band sports talk, and now the topical conversations of radio personalities, I am that fan. One great gift of my education is not only the opinions I've learned to form and support, but in the ways in which I've learned to make them known. I'm a blogger, hear me roar.

2006-11-28T22:46:00.000-08:00

Transformers Live Action Movie

Optimus Prime? Is that you?

Well, summer 2007 we'll see if the hurry to put out this live action version of the animated classic was worth the push. Yes the abilities of the computer generated film animation has soared to great heights, but to do the characters justice, much more is needed. Images of the Autobot leader for the movie disturb fans of the classic television series. With Steven Spielburg at the helm, the script should be interesting and presented well. The voice talent of the TV Optimus will reassume his character for the film. Without worry in the abilities of the animators, I hope the Transformers live action movie, not to be confused with the animated full-legnth feature of past, will stay true to the television show of the 1970's. I hear familiar character names being thrown around like, Megatron, Bumblebee and Buster Witwicky. So, be warned production staff, the bar of expectations from fans new and old, has been set high, and the year-early promotions may work against you if you don't heed the plentiful messageboard and blog opinions on the development of the movie. After all, you don't want to upset a Decepticon.


They're here!


And they're cool!

2006-11-24T08:48:00.000-08:00

"Oh, no... That's a no-no."
Now this is a prime example of how a media story can traverse the television airwaves. To begin the saga, watch this clip of "Live with Regis and Kelly" guest hosted by Clay Aiken, and the follow show, Monday, rehashing thing with now present Regis Philbin.
In the next clip, a fellow ABC production "The View" chimes in with their point of view, and a phone conversation with Kelly Ripa's reaction. Finally, this topic made it easy for the banter writers of the American Music Awards (seen here), seeing as though Mr. Aiken was already on the list of presenters by the time the story hit the airwaves.

2006-11-18T16:46:00.000-08:00

O.J. Looking for Work.
News Corp. shut down the O.J.Simpson "If I Did It" book and television interview with publisher, Judith Regan. Wow, the public has spoken! News Corp. acted because of criticism, and apologized to the families of Nicole Simpson and Ron Goldman.
The mass consumers that wanted to see the interview did not speak as loudly as the opposers of the " theoretically" titled book. Is the program different than an HBO Special with a serial killer, Iceman, or a documentary of Charles Manson, and the sensationalism of exploring the resting place of Al Capone? My opinion of whether or not I would have watched the O.J. show will not be included in this speech. I feel the only reason this program was even thought of for production was, point blank, the need for income, on the part of the Juice. Additionally, every network that is not Fox, is campaigning for the Don't Pay O.J. role probably because these are the stations that didn't get the interview. For example, Geraldo Rivera, the man who televised the Capone crypt, strongly publicizes his distaste for the interview project. Do you think Geraldo Rivera, and his show, would have turned down a chance at the interview? The exclusive of getting the pop criminal icon to possibly fill in all the blanks, to the popular story, that was the long running primetime special called "The O.J. Trial."
I'm just wondering out loud about things under the surface of this media story, and am still in awe of the show of the consumer voice in this changing of a networks mind.

2006-11-17T15:47:00.000-08:00

Dancing with the Stars
Emmitt Smith of theNational Football League, and all time rushing yard leader is now the reigning celebrity ballroom dancing champion. Cheryl Burke, Emmitts professional dancing partner, and last seasons champion, (read her blog here!), beat out Mario Lopez, of "Saved by the Bell" television fame, and his professional counterpart in the final competitive round with the viewers vote. Both teams season final dances scored equally with the judges, perfection minus one point out of 90 in three dances. This left the viewers to choose, and for a reality show, this is how it should be. Wow, what won't I watch?

2006-11-12T15:27:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, November 8th, atop the second floor of the SJSU Student Union, Raodtrip Nation showcased its soon to be PBS stars for Fall 2007. Upon the university's first venture in entering the bid to host a team of students on this exclusive journey, Kisura Hendrix, a Political Science major, Abel Habtegeorgis, a Public Relations major, and Cairo Person, a Journalism major, were chosen. Only three, three person, teams are chosen nationally annually. The interview with the team was greatly entertainig and interesting. Fun stories of life on the road, followed advise on attaining interviews with the elite members of any imaginable career. As another bonus, the Green RV, made famous by the maiden voyage of the movements creators, was on campus, (I got to go in.)

If I seem overly inthused by the details of the voyages it is because I had read the premiere book in the series. I personally attended the expo. and found it absolutly enlightening, motivating and inspiring. Television clips were shown from past team episodes and up and comming footage of the SJSU Team, of Summer 2006. Just to be chosen is a great feat for the trio, most schools enter many times and haven't made the cut, but SJSU supports the students that put their university on the Roadtrip map on its first outing.

2006-11-08T00:36:00.000-08:00

New Form of Media Distribution Gets Honored

YouTube, the video-sharing website recently acquired by Google Inc. for $1.65 billion, beat out a vaccine that prevents a cancer-causing sexually transmitted disease, a shirt that simulates a hug and other innovations, to grab top honors as Time magazine's "Invention of the Year for 2006."
Time magazine, owned by media conglomerate Time Warner Inc., wrote in an article that YouTube's scale and sudden popularity have changed the rules about how information , along with fame and embarrassment , gets distributed over the Web.
An article dated March 2006 publicizes Hollywoods notice of the media. YouTube had 27.6 million unique visitors in September, according to Nielsen NetRatings.

2006-11-07T23:15:00.000-08:00

Vote Without Identification?
I am in shock on this election night. Not concerning any voting results, but because of my voting experience.
While driving to my voting pole, I heard an unthinkable story on my talk radio program. A caller had claimed to not need I.D. to place her ballot tonight. My reaction was similar to that of the talk shows host, one of surprise and awe. "What? They didn't ask you for I.D. when you voted?" I thought it common place to remember your California State drivers license or CA I.D. when heading to the poles. My voting venture for 2006 has proved different.
First of all, I bring my CA issued drivers license, that was a given to the process, to me. I arrive at my voting location. This is where I'm amazed. As I state my last name and reach for my wallet I'm told by my voting official, "No sir, that's ok, you don't need I.D." WHAT?! I thought back to previous elections, wondering if I was a few fries short of a Happy Meal, and recall the requiring of CA identification as an enforced necessity. Now, not only did I not require it, but it was refused from me, a willing and prepared citizen. Have we not learned to cover all bases yet in the importance of honest accountability? Who is to say that anyone, armed with the simple name and address of a person, could not cast a false opinion? As it is, only 50% of my precinct had reported to my voting outpost, that leaves a lot of available votes.
Up from 26% reporting last election, in my precinct, I'm sorry but, 50% still does not make a comfortable turn out rate. Even more disturbing though is the fashion in which the precious half was recorded. I expect to show I.D. I want to be expected to show identification. I apologize if I sound disappointed, I assure you I am not... I'm flat out mad! Do not dumb down the rules of the game, for the populous and think it is doing anyone a favor. Next year I want two stickers..."I voted," and "I got I.D.ed!"

2006-10-24T23:57:00.000-07:00

Three SJSU Students May Have Ad In Super Bowl XLI
Congradulation Anna Pogosova, LouLou Quintela and Kelly Sherman, of San Jose State, for being one of the only five nationwide pick to create a television commercial spot for Chevrolet. For those who missed the unveiling of the winning team you can see the video footage of the press conference here. SJSU students should be proud to have representatives in this national campaign.

2006-10-23T15:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday iPod!

The "First Cultural iCon of the 21st Century"
Five years, and one day ago, no one had an iPod. It was on this day, a monday, October 23rd, 2001 that the beloved device was born to the masses. Since then billions of the portable entertainment centers have penetrated pop cultures iconic status. Since then, some have learned to make use of its technology, use it leisurely, and some now depend on it. The is something to say about its memory holding capabilities, especially in it later models, and the fun use of the later video version. My concern is of the isolation becoming commonplace with those using the device everyday, I am exposed to it each day on campus. I myself, do not own one, and am content not knowing what it is that I am missing, but I do know what it is that i am not missing, the world around me. I apologize if this point of view is harsh, and to heart of the matter, but if quick and easy is what drives the iPod market, i must conform my message to this such audience. Careful that the consumer does not become the consumed.Happy Birthday iPod! (Now where can I store my pictures of blowing out the candles?)

2006-10-23T15:20:00.000-07:00


From the first Animusic DVD. Pipe Dream has been voted one of the 50 greatest animation projects ever (by 3D World magazine). A group of percussion instruments perform music by way of metal balls that fly out from pipes.

2006-10-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

The Mix of Nails and Chips
In speaking of convergence, I am reminded of my construction career experiences in the technology and commercial fields. First off, before the wireless era of internet access, I was a proud San Jose Union carpenter and had the rare opprotunity to work on a residential home for a superintendant of my company. I say "rare" because my normal scope of work entailed commercial buildings such as the now site of the Cisco System campus in Milpitas, California. Back to this home of the year 2000, the most amazing aspect of the house was that it was entirely wired for internet hook up in "basically" every room. Today wireless connection completes this vision of free in home access, but this house was revolutionary for its day. The amout of cable used in the interior of the walls made this project more "commercial" like than residential. At the same time, near 237 and 101 I was deep into building the multi-building campus of Cisco Systems. A project that lasted beyond five years. The high tech. buisness market was booming and capital money was plentiful. With these resources our client contracted us to build Cisco System's Internet House. Throughout the campus new technological devices were being toyed with for employee feedback. We built a daycare center ajacent to the buisness buildings for the convience of the family employee, but this was no ordinary babysitting location. A curious employee was able to connect to camera feeds within the walls of the daycare center. As well as, communicate instantly with staff. Remember this is the year 2000. Daily routine ideas were plentiful by the Cisco staff of developers in the likes of, having your house at the desired climate, and dinner cooking before ariving home, all from the office computer terminal. Convergence between these two industries has come along way from the amazing to the everyday, but for a humble carpenter, these years were enlightening.

2006-10-16T22:37:00.000-07:00

Stern Words
To give my opinion of the great Howard Stern, let me first hypothesize about his drop in listener population. Bare in mind that these observations come not from a fan. I've not been a listener, either on terrestrial radio or the later satellite waves. Saying this I respect his showmanship. Although his humor and ways of sensationalism are not my bag, he created a phenomenal fanbase. I believe his jumping of the shark came in the days of his being fined by the FCC for an issue he thought similar to something Oprah Winfrey had done, but fine-free. After this interview topic hit newsstands, I believe "The Howard Stern Radio Show" at KRock FM in New York, was a redundant rant about his loathing of the FCC. Along with this monotony, I think the threat of leaving the "free-waves" helped some listeners to broaden their morning commute entertainment horizons. In hopes of a "Pied Piper" effect, Howard promoted his satellite career to a market of mostly "daily grind commuters." Now I realize this is a generalization before saying that, the economic bracket of this market is not entirely jumping with those in need of another monthly bill, (myself included.) Needless to say, not all the sheep followed. I caught the show while listening to Free FM, San Francisco's, Adam Corolla Show. Howard simultaneously aired on his Sirius channel while calling into Adams live broadcast. The opinions spewed throughout the segment were of Howards hate for terrestrial radio now, and how free he feels from the shackles of the government regulations. In truth I believe the loss of his federal foe lost the show its edge and arch nemesis. So it's on to new rivals, namely AM and FM frequencies. In short, I am amazed at the following he once had, the media achievement he has risen to, and his courage to try other mediums , and the career he has made of his...here it comes...one trick show.

2006-10-16T09:50:00.000-07:00


From the Animusic 2 DVD - A robot band kicks out an odd-time, laser-infused techno-rock tune while riding on top of their musical starship.

2006-10-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

Three Television Shows of Importance

Many of the early stories on M*A*S*H are based on real-life tales told by real MASH surgeons. The series seemed to be a metaphor for the Vietnam War, in progress when the series began, and not just about the Korean War. The show's producers have said it was about war in general. The hell of war’s reality encouraged a desperate need for something to laugh about. A letter to TV Guide written by a former MASH doctor in 1973 said that the jokes and pranks on the show were the most true to life. While the show was mostly comedy, there were many episodes of a more serious tone. The series premiered on September 17, 1972 and ended February 28, 1983, with a finale that was viewed by nearly 106 million Americans, 77% of viewer-ship, which established it as “the most watched episode in United States television history,” a record that still stands today.

Starring Bill Cosby, The Cosby Show was first broadcast on September 20, 1984 and ran for eight seasons on NBC, until April 30, 1992. In every way, they were an utterly typical traditional American sitcom family, with the notable exception that they were African-American. The topics of the show involved the usual difficulties of children growing up. At the time of the show's original broadcast, some people criticized the series for presenting an unrealistic portrayal of an African-American family as wealthy, and for not addressing contemporary issues such as poverty and the AIDS-HIV epidemic. Others felt that the show was simply a portrayal of what African-Americans could potentially become. Also, that portraying an African-American family as a normal family with normal, and largely wholesome, family issues was generally positive to the issues of race in the United States. Bill Cosby had creative control over the show, which was unusual for a star at that time, but has become commonplace now. Cosby wanted the program to be educational as well as entertaining. He was credited as "William H. Cosby, Jr., Ed.D" at the beginning of each episode, referencing his doctoral degree in Education, from the University of Massachusetts. The show was very much centered on Cosby's real life, and portrayed his children's lives as well. In the end, not only did the African-American community embrace the series but The Cosby Show was also highly popular with white viewers, unlike many other television shows featuring mainly African-American characters. The show is praised for its portrayal of positive child rearing methods, and examples of role models in society.

I Love Lucy, was the most popular American sitcom of its generation, and is still considered to be one of the greatest television series of all time. The series ran from October 15, 1951 to May 6, 1957 on CBS. "I Love Lucy" is still syndicated on television in dozens of languages across the world. In pitching the idea for the show, studio executives were worried that American audiences would not find a "mixed marriage" to be believable, and they were worried about costar Desi Arnaz's heavy Cuban accent. They refused to let Arnaz's role be part of the show's title. I Love Lucy is the first of only three shows to end its run as the #1 TV show in America. Along with co-creator Jess Oppenheimer, they decided to shoot the show on 35 mm film (instead of 16mm) in front of a live studio audience, with three cameras, a technique now standard for sitcoms. I Love Lucy was the first show to use this technique with a studio audience. Along with its technical advancements, Lucille Ball played the part of a motivated, and career minded woman in the days of mostly housewives and it has had a significant impact on popular culture.

Notable mentions: Monday Night Football, Murphy Brown, The Ellen Show and Yo! Mtv Raps.

2006-10-04T21:48:00.000-07:00

Deserving of his Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures nomination in 1958, by the Directors Guild of America (USA), Elia Kazan produced the classic about the responsibilities, consequences and temptations of media power. In this film, one mans voice changed lives, for better and for worse. I felt for the characters, both big and small, as they fell to the influence of the man (Andy Griffith) they knew as Lonesome Rhodes. I appreciate how this 1957 film showed the changes to each character attributed to the fame the new celebrity. The greed enhanced agent, the naivete of a love interest, and the ignorance of Rhodes himself in not seeing that he had turned into the very thing he started his career by voicing his objections too. This is a grand story of creating a monster that would make Mary Shelley proud. I could have done without Walter Mathow's dry narration of the films underlying messages, because Kazan has done a good job of communicating the story nicely. Including issues like racism, commercialism, celebrity, pride, power and payback, A Face in the Crowd sends a great warning to every media consumer.

2006-10-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

(MSNBC story)
Don't Play Me for a Fool.

Another potential lawsuit in Hollywood. The series "Heroes" made its debut under fire from the literary world. Uncanny similarities to comic book icons the "X-Men" are not the only finger pointing articles of the show. The shows creater is under fire for "commendering" the idea from a novel written by the same author as "The Satanic Versus." Salman Rashdie's "Midnight's Children" tells the story of children born with spacial human powers, for example, time travel, and flight. The children are delivered at the stroke of midnight by a Dr. Suresh. Now if you saw "Heros" on NBC this week, you were introduced to both a group of extraordinary teens, one with the ability to skew time, another a flyer, and a Dr. Mohinder Suresh. Tim Kring, the creator of "Heros" stands by his never reading the book, or even being aware of the storyline. Granted superhero stories are plentiful but, Dr. Suresh? C'mon! I will probably enjoy "DVRing" the show, based on its concept, but give credit where credit is due. ( I feel like a parent here.) Did he think we wouldn't find out? What could hurt the show more than if the writting went subpar is, lieing to the public's face. I believe in integrity of character more than those of the show, and would not feel bad if this news snowballed to haunt Mr. Kring.

2006-09-27T00:52:00.000-07:00

Entertainment Weekly, a favorite magazine of mine. This magazine covers news about movies, DVD's, television, music and books. With this wide range of media arts being its topics, an equally wide range of readers is its target audience. Catering to the arts is also never without new "news." Granted every tidbit of the stories reported are not groundbreaking, but entertaining to at least a subculture of its readers. And, "Entertainment" is the magazines first name. The advertisements in the magazine are focused on both genders, from personal hygiene, to upcoming television specials. Also, gender specific advertisements are plentiful, but equal in quantity. For example, cosmetics pages or male targeted beer ads. But overall, the commercialism throughout the magazine targets both sexes. The demographic in the crosshairs looks to be starting at 16-18, and under the ages of 40-45. Interestingly, I have found that I have not grown to disinterest in the magazine through the years, but interest in other sections instead. By segmenting the topics in the magazine the segmented audiences are more likely to find an interest for a longer period of readership. Almost like "smaller magazines" compiled into one larger magazine.
Finally, I frequent the online version of the magazine as well. While the articles are the same text, much more multi-media is surrounding the stories. Also, archived articles are plentiful. Let me point out that there is a difference in the advertisements online. Online is the home to the computer product ads. The EW.com site is sponsored by Google, and the iPod product placements are everywhere, at least until the next technological fad comes along. I recognize that Entertainment Weekly showcases fashion, celebrities, popculture and other trends, not ALL that I am interested in currently, but I do find many that I am a fan of, used to be a fan of, and may in the future be a fan. I'm part of the wide range, target audience.

2006-09-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

I read an article in the 9/25/2006 edition of the San Jose Mercury News newspaper about a copyright law violation then checked MercuryNews.com for the story. The issue is between Santa Cruz and Huntington Beach Californai, and the use of the title "Surf City" on a t-shirt. The colomns run photo perfect. Now wait a moment, while the story is identical, the framing of the article is not. Bottoming out the news story online were links to more possilble depth of information of this nature. This is not an available option on the hard copy issue on the news stand. So, for the interested online reader, much more information is but a click away. I could easily search the archive to similar topics, and past news on these cities. while the original story is informative, the individual questions any reader may want to ask/research for themselves is endless. Those options, to the online suscriber, are fofilled with ease. With the paper copy, start your beach bonfire. Online, "surf's up!" (I had to say it.)

2006-09-20T23:47:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard of Zune, its a new and faster way to pirate (sorry), "share" personal media files.

Microsoft is to release a device similar to an iPod that it stores media files, but the new news is that it can share files wirelessly to any other Zune device. Yes, walk up to a friend with a Zune and pass artists' works back and forth freely, to keep and use as they please. If downloading wasn't enough of an obstacle for the entertainment industry, now to compete with the improved ease of file shareing in everyday places, and without hooking up extra hardware? The Zunes' screen capabilities are perfect for downloading television programs online. These programs, which can be viewed in both widescreen and pan and scan formats, are now going to be tossed around every Zune in town. Advertising plus?...ok. But will that cover the losses in consumership at home, or the pirated copies able to be burned from these devices? I think not. This "improved" technology is the latest obstacle for the illegal shareing of pirated media files. The product is currently making its unveiling on America by way of the talk show circuts. Making crime easy and mainstream.

2006-09-15T22:51:00.000-07:00

I was at home consuming mass quantities of media and remembering my assignment of searching out blatant propaganda when Dateline NBC happened to be doing a piece on such a matter. NBC made up a fictional product called Moisturol, a pseudo skin moisturiser pill. The plan was to see if anyone would promote, endorse, and buy this product without any scientific testing documentation. First of all, these "pills" were capsules of, get this, Nestle Quik. Not only did a company take a contract to produce an infomercial, hire actor to testify for the product, but they even got a dermatologist to endorse the pills, all while telling them "We haven't any scientific documentation of its worth." As a matter of fact, the only testing NBC did was to make sure the cocoa in the sweetener did NOT produce any accidental results. The company produced the infomercial ($140,000), the actors acted ($50.00 each), and the doctor endorsed ($5,000). Yes, the dermatologist sold her reputation for only five thousand dollars. Long story short, trash products like these would rake in TEN million dollars before the government would catch up to them, fine them TWO million and not allow them to sell Skin care products anymore. I see an EIGHT million dollar profit in six months and a new buisness venture in weight loss pills. This industry releases 700,000 of these infomercials a year. Propa-freakin'-ganda!

2006-09-13T22:53:00.000-07:00

Going with the flow, I must be able to share images concerning the topic I choose to address here. Blogging is not solely an art of prose, but also design. Blogging shares many media examples to accompany opinion and fact. After all this technology, isn't a picture still worth a thousand words?

Everyone is blogging, even Flavor Flav! Now that I am conscious of blogs, I see them everywhere. My enlightened sight notices my favorite radio programs, authors, television stations, artists, and celebrities, all with blogs. An entire community of similar interest, as well as countering opinion audiences, is now interwoven into my mass of information consumption. Pride in the technical side is still a work in progress, but I am grateful for the sheer opportunity. I am really enjoying learning, and implementing this media form. My current enthusiasm comes from Robert Scoble, of the Scobleizer blog, and his motivating nature, when I was able to attend his visit/seminar, here at SJSU. From packaged Blog "malls" to the importance of a good title, Robert made the evening informative, and fun. We spoke of eye tracking research, keyword searches, and the blogging communities. I walked out energized. As a college student I find the blogging world a new resource for information searches, and ideas. So... Thanks to all.

2006-09-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

All business and no play makes a dull blog. Waste a little time here. (This is the most sarcastic button I've ever met, and I've met my share of buttons.)

2006-09-11T22:42:00.000-07:00

If radio stations are said to "rely" on hot artist driven music to increase the value of their airtime for advertisers, then why are there still problems with payola? I understand that all artists are not top dollar attractions (ok, most aren't) but to pay for the popular artists to be showcased on the radio stations does not compute. These artists subsidize the many, per record label, ok. But why not package the rights of varying level artists works as a whole to the stations and, as an industry, have these radio stations "pay to play." Yes, this is a total restructuring of the marketing, promotion, and distribution of the business, but with new technologies comes new business practices. Free downloading, and piracy, is killing the possibilities of the record labels staying afloat. The product, as we've learned, is the music and not the formatted disc it's sold on. Stop selling the copy able discs as the baseline product, and sell the works that are on them as the product. The begging of the record label for airplay has to stop for there industry to survive. I propose a unified record label "agreement" along with the reversing of who is paying whom. Radio should be playing, and paying for the products they receive. To continue the promotion of the lesser known, packaging of artists work together means that the stations would have to buy the rights to lesser known works as well as, the "needed" popular personalities. I know this would come with a fight from one side, but the back of the other side in already against the wall.
On a side note, I've never encountered a "spoof" of a song, but do admire the thought into the idea. To fight the illegal downloading of a work with a commercial for the song, while also promoting the personalities of the wanted band? Genius, pure genius. Spoofs cut the convenience, and ease out of downloading, and advertise the artists. Discouraging piracy with a commercial preview of the exact target consumer. Wow! Point, spoofers.

2006-09-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

Before I get started, let me first label myself. In the fewest words, I am an "alert, consumer target." I feel the bull's-eye, I'm aware of the media engulfment we call society. My education has broadened my range of awareness, but I'm learning that the game is ever changing, and the bombardment never ends. One must not only live in a cave to escape the reaches of media, one must never venture from its solitude. My point is that we are, without decision, surrounded by numerous offerings of media. Televisions are everywhere; newspapers are plentiful, free magazines and the constant hum of radios surrounding our daily life travels. There is no restriction to the attaining media, in fact you must protect yourself from the possibility of overexposure. Visual communication alone is the wallpaper of our world. We are all consumers, without the choice of being one or not. Information is encoded everywhere, and decoded constantly. To each our own in the media signals personal deconstruction, but first, or secondhand, the messages are being delivered to all of us. Innumerable subcultures equal innumerable demographics, which equal the innumerable products being advertised. There is a market for every budget, and preference. Loosely stated, there are crosshairs, enough for us all. Did I scare you? Sorry 'bout that. Where are you going tomorrow?

2006-09-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

Since our visual discussion in class, concerning ethics in media distribution, I felt one point of view was overlooked. This is the perspective of the marketing agents of the record sales division. The innocent notion of sharing a music CD, for example, deadens the chance of any framework to market said album in their chosen mode of marketability. Put plainly, the sales department would like to promote the theme of the album, while abstract a tactic, this does now let u preview the entire work before choosing to buy it. This is their "trump card." This being said, marketing thoughts are of, "We hope consumers will purchase this (entire) album on the basis of the (best of) snippets we see fit to advertise." How many albums have I personally bought only to find two or even one song is of interest? Through the years...many. Sharing now has "taken the advantage away from the house" and given it to their prospective clients. The consumer holds all the cards in knowing exactly what the purchased material is to be, and now only that of the popular, mainstream hits. This is the black cloud on the world of marketing concerning this sharing/ borrowing of media works of and form. Granted there is no illegal action being taken, or pirate copying happening, but the chance to frame a media for sale buy its owners is now lost. "Point, consumer!"

2006-08-30T22:22:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, and welcome to my blog. My name is Jeff Macias. As of now, I am starting my second year at San Jose State as a transfer student from De Anza College in Cupertino, CA. I am a Radio, Television, Film, and Theatre Major, with my focus on both radio and television. My minor is entitled "Communications of the Age." Prior to being a fulltime student, I was, and currently am, upon semester breaks, a San Jose union carpenter (San Jose Carpenter of the Year 2002, if I may brag a little.) So, after eight years in the trade, concurrent with many night school courses, and a leap of faith, here I am, eight months from graduation.
As a student of media, I have looked at my own habits of media consumption. In past semesters projects and papers have lead me to see where it is that I attain my global information. I admittedly am a television watcher, evidently, on an average scale, but an above the norm talk radio subscriber. I may listen to less than five different stations on a given week, but log many hours per. I have learned, non-intentionally, to love talk radio, be it news, sports or general conversation, only during my construction career. I do enjoy musical radio airplay, but the majority of my tuning in is to enjoy "Talk radio," (it still sounds weird to say out loud. "Me? Talk radio?")
I am also in tune with the pop culture, and current on goings by way of television, and the minimal use of magazines, newspapers, and websites. So, to answer the question, "What kind of media consumer am I?" I guess the advertisers must really like my daily habits. I am conscious of the advertising barrage every waking moment, and do my best to stay alert upon spending my hard "saved student dollars." It is said that it is impossible to fight the science, and psychology, of the advertisers. I beg to differ.

2006-08-28T23:34:00.000-07:00

Hello? Am I here?