Reflection: Weblog

I think weblog is a very simple tool to share ideas. Because it is too simple, I do no think it is a good method to create interaction and contribute thoughts among users.

Just like the weblog website I was discuss about few weeks before. Having one instructor facing the whole class, we would never get enough feedback of our posting. No moderator could tell us that whether we did the assignment or the reading correct or we are on the right track or we understand what we receive from the reading and the writing.

For the modern Internet technology, I believe we can have something more efficient and accurate than weblog. One of the examples is to use web board, which we used.

I think weblog is easy to share thought, but not suitable for exchanging thoughts. I frequently visit many computer hardware website, and most of the format is pretty much like weblog. These websites allow me to view many useful articles. When I enter the website Tom¡¦s hardware in the GraphSearch Google browser, I found quite a few links related to it. I am surprise most of them are the ones that I often visited, and I start to notice there are some kinds of sub cultures existing under the popular cultures.

I do not know if the weblog will work in helping us learn effectively in his course. Working in a team for next module, I think it will be more helpful to understand this course. Although the decision was sort of manually manipulated. (emergence suppose to form itself), working n a team to practice this course and material will definitely be more efficient.

Sean

social and cultural implications of the discovery of power laws and scale free networks

The social and cultural implications of power laws and scale free networks is these theories can be used to describe how societies or cultures are formed. For example, as the power law suggest societies/communities are in continuous growth. There could be individuals in a community that has only a few acquaintances but others with hundred's of acquaintances. Those with the most connections are likely to be wealthier, since the more connections you have the more likely you will hear about profitable situations. As in scale free networks, people preferentially like to hang out with others who are more popular.

When large pools of connections are made resulting in the formation of a community there is a point where the community becomes too large (i.e. outgrow the amount of physical space) that eventually a part of the community split off and form another network.

Essentially the power law and scale free networks describe how disorder becomes order. The initially disordered population of the world form ordered communities and connections through self-organization behaviour such as preferential attachments.

Societies and cultures are like scale free networks as, they not static and a constantly changing with the times. The connections between people are restructures as individuals change in their personal development. For example, at age 5, your have a certain network of friends, as you grow older your interest changes and the network of friends changes.


power law distribution <------> scale free networks

The power law distribution is a mathematical expression that describes the nature of the World Wide Web. Unlike the behaviour of random networks, which embodies a bell curve distribution, power law distribution implies the characteristic most nodes are not common in the number of links or their characteristics. That is, networks do not have a "characteristic scale in its node connectivity, embodied by the average node" and do not display a peak that the bell curves suggest. In contrast, real network is a continuously decreasing curve "implying that many small events coexist with a few large events". For example, there are many websites on the World Wide web have 5 to 10 links that coexist with a few websites that have 1000's of links.

The power law's relationship to scale free networks is the power law is a mathematical way of describing scale free networks. In a web context, scale free networks have a power law distribution in that there is no single node (i.e. WebPages) that has the characteristic of all WebPages. The nodes of a network follow a power law distribution, since there is a continuous hierarchy of WebPages that have many links, few links to even less links. Moreover, there are only a few websites that are mostly visited. The "power law characterized by a unique exponent, telling us, how many very popular web pages are out there relative to less popular ones".


scale free networks

To define a scale free network the concept of scale free model needs to be explained. The scale free model explains the behaviour of real networks. The scale free network in the context of the Web is essentially WebPages are unique in their nature and connectivity. Thus, there is no scale in which the web is measured from or no WebPages that embodies most of the characteristics of all WebPages. As described in the Rich Get Richer chapter, two laws govern scale free networks: growth and preferential attachment. The development of the Web is a result of one web page linking with other web page sequentially (i.e. one node connecting with another node, and so on) leading to the growth of the World Wide Web. The probability of a person surfing the Web to chose a particular web page is described by the preferential attachment rule. A person is more likely to choose a web page that is the most popular, that is has the most links.

Therefore, the distinguishing features of scale free networks are:

-Network is not static and will grow. A network is build starting from the connection of two nodes.
-The chose of choosing nodes in the network is not random but is preferentially chosen (i.e. new nodes prefer to attach to more connected nodes)

The preferential attachment feature of scale free networks implies not all nodes/WebPages are equally likely to get links. "WebPages with more links are more likely to be linked to again". Moreover, each WebPages is not equivalent to one another in that the older nodes are "richer" since, it has the longest time to collect links. In contrast, "the poorest node is the last one to join the system, with two links only".

This is a brief diagram of my web base social network.........................

small world networks (clustering and 6 degrees of separation and the role of hubs)

The principles of clustering, six degrees of separation are as follows:

Clustering is formation of small groups of individuals/items that are connected. A larger cluster is formed by the connection between the small groups.

Six degrees of separation is the theory that any two individually can be link through the relationship/association of six individuals between them. For example, the connection between two theoretical individual, for our purposes is A1 to B1 can be traced through six individuals. A1 -> A1 sister -> A1 sister's class mate -> Class mate's cousin -> Cousin's brother -> Brother's best friend -> B1

The role of hubs in the formation of small world networks is hubs/connectors facilitate the formation of small world networks. Connectors are "nodes with an anomalously large number of links" (pg 56). The Kevin Bacon game Barabasi writes about is a good illustration, of a connector. Because Kevin Bacon is involvement in many movies he serves as a connection between many actors in Hollywood. If he was did not act, many connections between actors will drastically lengthen creating a bigger world. Kevin Bacon is a connector that shortens the distance/associate between actors, creating a small world network.


regular networks, random networks, and small world networks

My understanding of the definition of regular, random and small world networks is as follows:

Regular networks: are networks where the connection between individuals of the group is direct, that is there is a close relationship between them. For example, my family tree is a regular network; each member of my family can be directly traced to each other family member.

Random networks: is the connection of nodes/clusters/individuals through indirect relationships or random encounters. Each individual of a random network can obtain information from other individuals of the network through random encounters. For example, a network can be formed at a cocktail party of strangers when these individuals communicate with one another, where eventually links between individuals are formed resulting in a network. Erdo¡¦s wine party analogy is a good illustration of this.

Small world networks: highly interconnected network of individuals with something in common. Moreover, small world networks are characterized by small distance between nodes. For example, a network of scientist represents a small world network. Small world networks can arise from random or regular networks. The reason why on average individuals knowledge of one another can be traced through six individuals is "humans have an inborn desire to form cliques and clusters that offer familiarity, safety, and intimacy" (pg 50)


Random Graphs 2 small world networks

The history of how we think of network links today originated in 1736 from Euler¡¦s solution to the Konigsberb problem (i.e. Can one walk across the seven bridges of Konigsberg an never cross the same one twice?) by way of graph theory. In Euler¡¦s graph he illustrated the seven bridges pictorially and used nodes (i.e. destination points) and links (i.e lines) connecting the nodes, which determined how many possible paths, there were between destination points.

In 1950's two Hungarian mathematicians, Paul Eros and Alfred Renyi made a revolution in graph theory by addressing how do networks form? A cocktail party best describes their theory. The question is if one person informs another stranger at the party about a wine will all of the people of the party know about this wine by the end of the party. Erdos and Renyi illustrated the encounters of the guest of the party by creating a graph. Nodes represent the guests and each social encounter creates links that connect the nodes, this illustration results in a graph. Erdos and Renyi goes further by adding the concept of randomness to replicate real life. By creating random links between people at the party they found that eventually everyone was connected in some way. Their random graph theory has been used to explain how real world networks are formed.

The nature of real world networks and our understanding of them can be best summarized by the following quote "The construction and structure of graphs or networks is the key to understanding the complex world around us. Small changes in the topology, affecting only a few of the nodes or links, can open hidden doors, allowing new possibilities to emerge." (pg 12)

Sean

bootstrapping

As Dave Winer suggested, the simplest definition of bootstrap is "taking a step you know is on the path, learn from it, and use it to lift up the next level." The concept of bootstrapping can be applied to the evolving processes and technologies of the World Wide Web. The development of the web had to have started with a simple concept. My guess of how the web was developed is first the development of computer language. Once successfully/functional computer language was developed, computer programs were generated. Eventually once computers were operational and could perform/"think" for itself computer developers worked on ways computers could communicate with one another. Networking between computers was then established. Once small networks were created and worked, they were used as a basis/model of developing more vastly spreading networks, till eventually the development of the World Wide Web was created. The concept of the World Wide Web is simply successful local networks merging internationally to create a network with no physical boundaries that distribute information world wide.

Sean

the science of networks

TheWebster-Merriam dictionary definition network is as follows:
1: a fabric or structure of cords or wires that cross at regular intervals and are knotted or secured at the crossings
2: a system of lines or channels resembling a network
3 a: an interconnected or interrelated chain, group, or system (a network of hotels) b: a system of computers, terminals, and databases connected by communications lines
4 a: a group of radio or television stations linked by wire or radio relay b: a radio or television company that produces programs for broadcast over such a network

The science of network to me is the study of how networks for formed and work. A network in the context of electronic culture in the simplest sense is mass communication between individuals through the use of an electronic medium. The Internet facilitates individuals to exchange information. The electronic network is very apparent in websites. Most websites provide links to other websites with common topics. From the linked website there are other links to yet again other websites, the connection goes on and on. This is an example in electronic culture how networks are formed (i.e. by links).

I have observed how electronic networks form from may personal experience. I like to read articles about electronic hardware and I visit those websites frequently. From one website, there are usually many links to other similar websites. Each cell consist certain links to others, which create a network for electronic hardware information. Sometimes the link can be direct to websites that are irrelative to the original topic, this will bring the entire hardware network to a different domain. Therefore, the network can be larger and larger and infinite. I think the electronic culture is based on the network. It is a new form of network, a virtual one compare to the real world network. One can still be very constructive like the Christianity missionary, or be destructive like Mafiaboy. The same black and white phenomenon entirely transact to the virtual network. The electronic culture has a larger scope with an infinite boundary. Real world networks could be divided by the nation, skin color or "culture", but the virtual network is divided purely by the interest, and similarity of mind.

Sean

feedback loops

The feedback loops method is not a new concept but indeed it is fresh idea to apply on online community. It is similar to democratic government system, which offer people the right and authority to vote for a leader, from a small community leader to a national leader.

In the reading of Industry Intelligence, Steven mentions a web explorer, a website host, Rob Malda. He is the founder of a famous website, Slashdot. It is a represents a website that illustrates a self-organizing community. Online discussion boards like this grew rapidly in nineties, and became out of control once it reached the "climax stage". Once Malda figured out he could not handle the quality control over the website, he first introduced the 25 Spam warriors. However, the warriors could not control the rapid growth either. Finally, he launched a feedback loop system. The feedback loop system gives every single user of the website the power and also, obligation and responsibility to maintain the quality and organization of the website. The feedback loop was attempting to reach a homeostasis a balance in the website where useless information is filtered.

A feedback loop is both positive and negative. There are only few elements in a feedback loop. A very simple rule is user can give positive or negative feedback to any posting from other users, and also evaluate them on a scale. Topics with more comments are at a higher scale and move to higher level, and vice-versa. If a user gets rated higher, he /she earns some kind of point that gives them more privileges as a moderator. This type of promotion in result generates good quality content of discussion forums. A user who contributes good work can get promoted by other moderators and eventually get promoted to part of the marking team.

Different websites have their unique culture to set rules for feedback loops. Ebay and Eopinion are both modern websites that use the feedback loop system. I, myself, am quite a frequent user of these two website. Ebay and Eopinion have different objectives for existing on the Internet. Although they both use feedback loops system, they have diverse rules to play with the system for users. I feel sometimes in Ebay, feedback can be very personal, because both sellers and buyers can gain feedback. Sometimes, the trading exercises can create very personal feelings. In some cases, users can get very extreme feedback, and it is all dependent on the opponent¡¦s experience. I do not think the use of the feedback system in Ebay is appropriated, because any kind of money-involved situation can be very complex and critical. I think the feedback of each user could be a reference not a subjective opinion.

There are some interesting outcomes created which was brought to the attention to some moderator from Slashdot. User tends to post articles that most users agree on and in return gain the most feedback. However, the true value and meaning of a feedback loops is that postings should be rated base on its quality. It is just human nature to agree to something/ideas they like, we do not enjoy criticism of our ideas and in some cases are in denial of opposing views. I think this behavior is just an exceptional happening of feedback loops. However it is the best solution so far to maintain the self-organizing website properly.

Sean

This is my mood now.....................................................






find your element
at mutedfaith.com.

Colony Era

The five principles of deriving macrointelligence and adaptability¡Kfrom local knowledge¡¨ can be explained by a simple example. Like Gordon's harvester ant colonies the United States of American, was a colony of British and France before it became a country. More and more people from different parts of Europe immigrant to America. Each individual might have different a background and culture, but they all have one goal, that is to come to America and start a new life. Principle one, more is difference is illustrated here. An outsider will only notice a pattern of immigration by seeing the global behavior of people from Europe coming to America. With this one specific intention, people gather together to build houses, town, and then inevitably a city. Immigrants help each other start their family, gather resources and defend against naive Americans. The coming together of people illustrates the other principles and are as follows:

Ignorance is useful: with a common but simple goal of the immigrates are able to build communities, cities then states.

Encourage random encounters: the exploration of new American immigrants results in individuals finding appropriate areas to live. Once these areas are found it is communicated to others and communities form.

Pay attention to your neighbors: By paying attention to others, the immigrants can learn positive things from each other and build communities.

::Sean ==>

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5 Principles & class weblog network

The 5 principles for deriving "macrointelligence and adaptability ... from local knowledge" can be applied to the design problem of our class weblog network. In the metablog, it is hard to tell the overall character or content of the weblog network since, each person's weblog is listed in one place. The only way a browser can find a discussion of a particular topic the browser is go into each weblog website and read the content. The five principles are good theories to the success of emergent behavior resulting in complex communities. However, in an electronic environment the bases of these principles are not all-together appropriate theories to explain the development of weblog networks.

More is different
It is generally true, you can not determine the significance of an individual¡¦s behavior by observing him/her by themselves but only in the context of comparing a group. In a weblog context the significance of each individuals weblog is not really clear, since the individuals of the weblog have a wide range of topics each individual discusses. The topics most commonly do not at all relate to one another. Only when a few individuals happen to be writing on the same topic can the browser determine the significance, accuracy and relevance of these individual¡¦s thoughts.

Ignorance is useful
Well structure networks commonly start with simple interrelated parts that work and eventually build into a complicated network. The weblog network at it¡¦s current state is simple, individuals can freely post their ideas on their individual website. However, as discussed previously it is hard to build a complex community/network of ideas when there is no organization. A weblog with simple functions does not encourage complexity in the form of development of communities. My recommendation is to add a search function were browsers can enter a topic of interest and search for all weblogs that discuss these topics. The weblog individuals that share similar interest can then build their own weblog network that is more close knit. Another alternative is once a weblogger finds a weblog that shares his/her interest, he/she can save that webloggers weblogg as a link to his/her weblog.

Encourage random encounters
The weblog network is a good example of random encounters. The weblog network is comprised of many people from different backgrounds and ideas. The unrestricted content of the weblog network encourages people to express their ideas freely. Through browsing the weblog individuals can learn more about various topics and can develop a better understanding of the world through other people's experiences and perspectives. This better understanding of the world encourages more effective ways of doing things which can be applied to certain aspects of life in general. However, the randomness of the weblog network makes it harder to develop a more compact interrelated network of weblogs.

Look for patterns in the signs
By looking at the most common topics posted on the weblog a general direction of discussion can be generated.

Pay attention to your neighbors
Like the principle of random encounters observing neighboring weblogs can yield an expansion of an individual¡¦s self knowledge through reading other peoples thoughts. Accepting other peoples more effective ways encourages self development and the overall improvement of communities. By taking the time to read through each weblogger's website you can find individuals that share the same idea and "mini" more close knit network can be built by constant interaction between these webloggers. Eventually a more close knit and larger network can be built.

::Sean-->

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Hi, here is my old research and user experience of Canon PowerShot S300. I just like to share my opinion of this particular product. I would like my weblog to be a electronic hardware website for people to share thoughts. Enjoy it.

::more to come -->

Canon PowerShot S300

Pixel: 2.11 million pixels (Effective pixels: 2.02 million)

Maximum Resolution: 1600*1200

Zoom: 3X All Glass Aspherical Zoom (35mm ¡V 70mm)/ 4X Digital Zoom

Lens focal length: 10 cm

Shutter Speed: 1-1/1500 Second

Storage Media: CompactFlash Type I

Interface: USB/Serial; PC/Mac

Power Source: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack NB-1L

Weight (without battery): 190g

Dimensions: 87*57*26.9mm

The first time I saw this digital camera, I was astonish by its unique size. The metallic exterior gives the consumers a high tech feeling.

Canon PowerShot S300 is slightly smaller than a cigarette box. It is also very light; without the battery it only weights190grams.

Even though S300 is tiny, it is fully equipped with all the necessary features. It is a 2 million pixels camera with the maximum resolution of 1600*1200. For general consumers, this is not a bad camera. The S300 has a 2X zoom and 4X digital zoom which when combined total to a 8X zoom. The S300 has a maximum aperture is F2.8 and a fast enough shutter speed in dim light conditions to create the appropriate contrasting colored pictures.

Since, the S300 is a pocket size Digital camera, it¡¦s emphases is shutter speed and convenience. Therefore, it does not provide extra shooting modes and it only has one ¡§auto mode¡¨. The only function you can change is the flash and the white balance. The S300 is a no fuss camera, all you have to do is turn it on and snap the picture, no complicated adjustment is required.

Athough this camera is small in size it has not neglected the importance of battery life. The S300 uses tiny rechargeable Lithium batter that provides users with a long shooting period.

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third culture

The electronic culture, the emergence of information exchange through means such as the Internet has severed as a medium for which third culture can thrive. What is third culture you ask? How has it emerged?

In the past there was two distinct cultures in the intellectual world, the artist and the scientist. Both theses groups communicated to other intellects in their fields. Scientist were thought to not have the ability to communicate in an understandable manner to the public and used literary's to translate their message to the public. This act was first thought to be a "third culture", the narrowing of the gap between two disciplines. However, as time passed it was proven that scientists are able to communicate to the general public themselves. The emergence of direct communication to the public is what defines the third culture. As "The emerging third culture" article puts it, "the third culture consist of those scientist and other thinkers in the empirical work who, through their work and expository writing, are taking the place of traditional intellectual in render invisible the deeper meanings of our lives, redefining who and what we are."

I think the basic idea under the emergence of the weblog community is similar to the emergence of the third culture. Like the scientists who make up the third culture, web loggers are people who feel a need to express their ideas and reflections of their world to the public.

The complexities of our surroundings inspired people to understand these complexities. The third culture "introduces new modes of intellectual discourse and reaffirms the preeminence of America in the realm of important ideas." I think weblogs can facilitate this need for sharing ideas by providing an electronic medium in which scientific ideas can be easily distributed to the public.

Although electronic culture has fostered massive distribution of information/ideas, pure complexity of our surroundings and different topics makes it harder to create an organized network. I think this applies to weblogs as well, with many individual webloggs created; it is difficult for the public to learn about topics/other people's interpretation of the complexities of their surroundings since weblogs are scattered. There are not many organized websites where weblogs of similar ideas aggregate; that is, a network of weblogs has not been very well developed.

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::emergence & complexity::

The Complexity chapter by Grady Booch raises some interesting concept of complexity. My interpretation for the emergence of complexity is the development of complex systems is a means of adapting to or functioning in an externally complex environment. One way of explaining the term complexity is to think of the an ecological system called the food chain.

The food chain is the interaction between many species for the overall survival of the life forms on earth. One of the lowest species of the system is fungi and algae, algae supports the life of fish, which in turn support the lives of lager mammals such as humans and whales, the links and relationship between species go on and on. The relationship between different levels of the food chain forms a hierarchical structure, where each organism can act independently but interact with other to form a complex system. Courtois has summarized one component of a complex system as "frequently, complexity takes the form of a hierarchy, whereby a compels system is comprised of interrelated subsystems that have in turn their own subsystems, and so on, until some lowest level of elementary components is reached. " This can be applied to the food chain concept.

The food chain can be classified as levels starting from the bottom with plants, plant eaters, carnivores then hunters (i.e. humans). Plant's itself is a subsystem in that their " life requirements" are different (i.e. strive on sunlight for energy). However, they are interrelated to the species that eat them, since the plant's existence affects the life span of those animals. The interrelationship between the levels of the food chain can be traced to the simplest level the plant.

The main concept and fundamental simplicity of the complexity concept to me is it is a system that is "invariably founded to have evolved form a simple system that worked" and is "composed of only a few different kinds of subsystems in various combinations and arrangements". Take for example governments from around the world. Governments are essentially "groups of people joined together to accomplish tasks that cannot be done by individuals." The simple system that worked in this example starts from a community of people, which shares the same belief. The community eventually interacts and forms with other communities with similar goals to create political parties, which in turn create a government.

The complexity concept can be related to emergence. The concept of self-organization without a leader that emergence embodies is like the complexity concept. Many independently existing parts that when interact with one another can form complex systems is the definition of complexity and emergence. I think emergence is the foundation for complexity. The example in Booch¡¦s article about plants is a great example of the relationship between emergence and complexity. Plants do not have "centralized parts that directly coordinate the activities of lower levels ones" such as plant cells. "Instead, we find separate parts that act as independent agents, each of which exhibits some fairly complex behavior, and each of which contributes to many higher-level functions. Only through the mutual cooperation of meaningful collections of these agents do we see the higher-level functionality of a plant."Complexity of systems is a result of "emergent behavior," the behavior of self-organization. Emergence creates complexity, "the behavior of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."

::Sean::

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My understanding of emergence is it is the ability of individual organism to create more complex structures or demonstrate complex behavior without a leading organism. Emergence is a concept of self-organization. The Here it Comes article illustrates the concept of emergence by saying organisms " solve problems by drawing on the masses of relatively stupid elements, rather than a single, intelligent executive."

This concept can be applied to humans; we are " complex adaptive systems that display emergent behavior. "Although we are not all exactly the same, we have similar characteristics. We tend to have similar instinctive reactions to certain situations faced in the environment we live in. For example, we all have the behavior of fear and need for expression even though the level of these behaviors varies between individuals. Based on similar reactions to environmental factors we communicate our ideas to others and create solutions. For example, when it rains, there is not one individual in the world to tell us to run to a near by building. We individually access the situation our environment has put us in, we decide to run to the same building for shelter. This type of similar individual behavior forms communities. In this case, it's a small community of people under a building¡¦s roof for shelter.

This concept of emergence can be applied to web-logging. The practice of weblogging is self expression. People who participate in web logging all feel the need to express their feelings about their environment and how it affects them. Eventually, individuals who weblog and read other's entries find similarities with one another and form a webloging community. A community where they can share their experiences. The concept of self expression that webloging promotes is "creating a positive feedback loop" that encouraged more individuals "to join the cluster" of webloggers.

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My own definition of weblog is someone can't keep their ideas in their mind or mouth and they have to toss their thoughts out on the web page so everyone can see it. I think technology has grown so fast that soon we will be able to update or own weblog more frequently and in any location, as long as we get access to an Internet connect. So it is not necessary to be in front of a computer, a wireless network can be used.

3 types of weblogs:

Blogs: short messages of a personal journal describing external events

Notebooks: longer paragraph of a person's mind or thought, more like feeling and expression of events

Filters: focus on certain subject to discuss, such as a meaning of a word. Filters provide links/websites on a focused topic.


What makes a good weblog?

I think a good weblog should be clean and neat. It should also provide useful information. It is a useful informative website that allows for exchange and sharing of an experience. It think a weblog nowadays should be more interactive, such as what we call web board now. Web boards allow people to post their thoughts and ideas in a thread and anyone can start a topic.

My Sketch of Weblog,

I will seek for the perfect balance between graphic and text content. I would use some eye catching style, such as different colors, fonts or flashing on the graphics or texts. I would look into the reference sites in the "The Weblog Handbook" such as Eatonweb and Camworld. They are the two examples of weblog and filter. I prefer blog style, because I don't like to limit myself on certain topic or I have to type a lot of words. I like to toss short thoughts and topics and try to build up conversation with others. It is more difficult for me to express my thoughts in a essay like form, I prefer to express my thoughts to others in a conversation like form.

Examples of weblogs

Eatonweb
Camworld