The untimely (quasi-demise) of CherryBlossom Parx*
“What the web does is change the shape of communication” Tim Berners-Lee (Farndale, 2008).
Communications are greatly enabled on the internet, but you are reliant on technology working as it should.
Interacting with many people (individually and severally) over the past few weeks via chat, email and newsgroups has been a fascinating experience. Having a common interest (even just if it is Net11) is a great ice breaker – most people are very willing to give of their own experiences.
Sharing what you think is part of it. You get out what you put in Concept 20 generating awareness through participation (Allen, n.d.). Regardless of the way you communicate, being and active and interested (and interesting!) participant are sure ways to make the most of these kinds of communications.
Communicating can be tiresome at times; because of various glitches – both technical and human. You are also reliant on your chat mates’ ability to correctly (or similarly) use the technology. Plus, you need to be available at the same time for chat (or thankfully, not so available for other ways). It took several days to be admitted into the Skype chatroom and I was unable to successfully register on second life and bring my semi-created avatar (Cherry Blossom Parx) into existence.
Over several hours 1 evening, I was continually reassured to try again soon. Actually this was a relief as once I had finished this task (which was the sole reason for bringing Cherry into existence) – what was I to do with her once she had ceased to become a useful ‘tool’ for me. Would I leave her to her own devices? Make her do away with herself - is this even permitted? Thankfully this is one dilemma I need not wrestle with.
Via our discussion boards, I organised a chat as I couldn’t make a previously organised one. It was great to chat with others. Group chat is overwhelming at first, but following the threads becomes easier once you’ve had some experience of it.
Online communications are varied and the best channels depend on the requirements of the communication. Communicators need to ensure that the right communications channel is used and just because new technology exists, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it should be used in place of other methods, eg face to face. IM and chat are great for social and some work applications...
* CherryBlossom Parx was the chosen name of my Second Life avatar, whom, sadly never became real due to technical issues on SL.
References.
Allen, M. et al (n.d).Internet Communications
Concepts Document, WebCT, Net 11. Initially retrieved 6 June 2008 from http://webct.curtin.edu.au/SCRIPT/305033_b/scripts/serve_home
Farndale, N. (2008, June 21).World Wide Wizard. The Sydney Morning Herald. Good Weekend p. 50.
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