Danielle Gatsos' Blog

Social Media Addiction and Relationships: A Crude Animation

daniellegatsos — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 22:00:37 +0000

My crude animation on social media addiction and relationships.

Week #9 – OK, Not Really Week 9 But Lecture Week 9 – Flash Mobs and Transmedia

daniellegatsos — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 05:31:29 +0000

I love the idea of storytelling across mediums. I think that in order to build a community that supports and ideally advocates your product or business it’s crucial to connect with your audience on multiple levels, through multiple channels. Variety keeps people engaged, and transmedia distribution definitely requires a lot of variety. Watching an appealing and enticing video is one thing, but when the story in that video is supplemented with an engaging website, a game, and social media communication, users will stick.

When it comes to Flash Mobs I have to admit that every time I see one of these videos I am still inspired by the collaboration that is the physical embodiment of what digital communications can achieve. I know some say that the novelty has worn off, but I remain enthusiastic about the fact that these are still taking place.

The Future of the Internet, My Analysis/Hope.

daniellegatsos — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 04:40:52 +0000

My analysis/hope for the future success of the internet for MCDM Com 597 Video Storytelling.

Week 8: Best Week Ever

daniellegatsos — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 04:42:48 +0000

Last night we had an incredibly unique classroom experience. While the class was focused on digital rights management, I have to admit that topic was not exactly the highlight of the evening – not to say it wasn’t interesting or much needed information regarding the protection of media content – but the jazzfest we attended at PBS was definitely quite the treat. I really appreciated that Drew took us for a unofficial PBS tour of the station, as it was really great to see how the productions come together from the ground floor. I knew that there was a lot more to it that what we do on our home computers, but seeing the engineering studios really demonstrated just how much effort and technology goes into producing a TV show. When we went to the REEL NW I couldn’t help but admire the lighting and camera setup on the ceiling. Not to mention the free wine, beer, and treats.

Another highlight of the night was learning the porn drives the drm industry. Very interesting fact of the day.

What Hulu Will Need to Remain Relevant and Succeed: My Ideas Com 597 MCDM

daniellegatsos — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:04:38 +0000

My prediction/analysis of the future of Hulu and its success. MCDM Com 597 Storytelling

Week 6 – Com 597 Storytelling – YouTube Takes Over Web Search

daniellegatsos — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 15:41:52 +0000

Lately I have been thinking a lot about the future of TV and where digital media communications are going. Last night when we spoke about Hulu and the future of TV I was somewhat shocked to learn that 25% of all online searches are now YouTube videos. I mean, I knew it was up there, but 25% is significant. I can’t help but wonder if the targeted advertising of online content has a role in the reduced searches for other media, or if it is simply that online video is taking over the digital world. Maybe it’s a bit of both.

I recognize that I use search engines less in 2010 than ever before because it seems as though the content I used to search for now comes to me. It seems as though every website I visit has suggestions for alternate media channels that I may enjoy, and, in turn, these targeted yet seemingly serendipitous selections of media take up so much of my time I don’t even touch Google.

Additionally, the mobile app world has also decreased search engine usage as we no longer need to go to an extra site (an engine) to find the latest articles, venues, and multimedia. We have apps for everything from the New York Times to Pizza Hut, and the information is available to us at the touch of a finger. At this point the only time I actually use a search engine is if I’m looking for something new- typically out of the norm from what I would normally be looking for (like a random video a friend suggested).

So do these availability factors play a role in the YouTube statistics? I believe so, but at the same time I also think it’s important to recognize the increasing demand for video on the web. We want our content on-demand, and if we can view the information we seek in the form of a video, well that’s all the better. Not to mention the fact that today’s society doesn’t believe in TV program scheduling, as we want our TV entertainment on-demand as well.

Clearly we are living in a digital culture that is getting faster and faster and is catered more and more to us each day. Is the search engine dead as we know it? I don’t think so, but this statistic illustrates the direction it’s going. Maybe the future of search only consists of random entertainment and training videos…is that a bad thing? I’m not sure, but one thing I do know – the popularity of YouTube makes it one of the most viable means of digital communication on the internet.

The Future of Mainstream Media on the Web. Com 597 Video Log.

daniellegatsos — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 03:35:37 +0000

It almost seems as though 90 seconds wasn’t long enough to express everything I wanted to for this project! The future of mainstream media is the internet. People want their news short-hand (preferably 140 characters or less), real time, and on demand. How many of us get our news by simply reading the headlines and captions on the MSN front page? Now whether today’s society is busier or simply lazier is up for debate; but regardless of the reason for this shift we have to recognize the fact that people don’t want to pursue news anymore, and pretty soon, they won’t want to pursue entertainment either. We want these media to come to us. We are no longer the consumer, we have the power to let these outlets know what we want and how we want it. And finally, they’re listening. We are the future of mainstream media.

Week 5 Reflection Com 597 Storytelling

daniellegatsos — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 04:31:40 +0000

Once again I thoroughly enjoyed tonight’s discussion and appreciated Richard Shenkman’s talk on the myths of history and how storytelling is key to persuading and engaging an audience, whether the story is true or not. I found the topic of staged historical media most interesting because while it makes perfect sense that there likely weren’t cameramen at these events (sewing of the flag, Pearl Harbor, etc.) I had never really thought about the reality of it.

I liked how we delved into politics a little bit tonight and the stories that politicians must tell to make them relatable to the public. Every politician is guilty of this, and yet, I can’t help but think about how sad it is that politicians have to dumb themselves down in order to appeal to the masses. You would think we would want someone with higher intelligence than the rest of us. I’m clearly not speaking for the masses.

A Tribute To My Instrument Of Creation

daniellegatsos — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 03:12:32 +0000

Farewell my friend, we’ve had a long ride,
you saw me through while stressed out I cried,

I’ve shed those tears in your blue gaze,
while you stuck there with me in the roughest of days,

When I was ambitious and opened too much,
I knew you’d come through- like a ready-made crutch,

Our relationship has had its ups and downs,
you’ve seen me smile and endured my frowns,

You’d sign me off like my efforts meant nothing,
then come back through cause you auto-saved something,

I used to praise you, then hate you again,
and push you away cause I just couldn’t win,

Up all night trying to get it all done,
In the past 4 years you’re the only one,

Who saw me through the pain and strife,
having you with me is vital to life,

When I pushed your button and revealed your damage,
I knew in that moment that I had lost my savage,

The strength and power you showed to that point,
was quickly extinguished like Reagan with a joint,

I hoped I would never see you crash,
but the truth is southwest treated you like trash,

I wondered if I should check my baby,
but it was free – so I let go of that maybe,

Now I’m stuck – looking at your pain,
your window of life is broken – and I’m to blame.

So good-bye my friend I’ll long to have you back,
my one, my only, my love, my Mac.

My Facebook Lesson

daniellegatsos — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 03:31:36 +0000

This post was tough for me, but I loved how it got me thinking about how to tell a story. If I would have had more time I may have set it up a little differently, but I did appreciate the assignment and how it got me thinking ahead about other video assignments in the future.