COMM 352 "Point of Power" by Michael Chartuk

Edward Tufte and David Byrne both have valid points to make about Microsoft Powerpoint and they're points can be explained best through the topic of bloatware.  Powerpoint, and other Microsoft Office products are referred in some circles as "bloatware" or software that contains so many features and options you'd die of old age before exploring them all.  Every update and remake of the product just adds more features to the software, thus "bloating" it.

The positive side of bloatware is that the abundance of features allows for infinite modes of expression.  The customization abilities of Office products is outstanding, with templates and settings to make minute to drastic changes to your document.  Using these features creatively can lead to interesting and dynamic pieces of art, which is Byrne's point, but only so long as the user knows what they are doing.

There are so many options and customizations in Powerpoint that one can work with the program for years and merely scratch the surface.  So instruction is key, and frequently lessons are taught at multiple levels, such as "Beginner Powerpoint" and "Advanced Powerpoint" I and II.  Since most people would rather take courses on the evolutionary growth of fungi than take several courses on Office software, the majority of us only have a basic (and possibly outdated) knowledge of Powerpoint.  The geek speak and terms used in the software also prevent people from learning on their own, since a lot of the check boxes and pull down lists only make sense to the tech savvy or professional computer workers.  In this sense, Powerpoint and other Office products are indeed, evil.

I agree with both Byrne and Tufte.  Yes, Powerpoint can be used to create beautiful and meaningful things, but until you possess the knowledge and skill then all you produce will be crimes against humanity.  At some point the bloatware needs to come to a pinnacle where the programmers can look back, simplify and allow the user to make better work with less knowledge.  Until then we will have publishing programs that will get more complex and more buried with each new carnation.

Although, as someone who's versed in Microsoft Office, I have to say that Access is infinitely more sinister than Powerpoint.

Byrne, David. "Learning to Love Powerpoint." Wired 11.09: Learning to Love PowerPoint. Wired.com, Sept. 2003. Web. 23 Jan. 2011. .

Tufte, Edward R. "PowerPoint Is Evil." Wired 11.09: PowerPoint Is Evil. Wired.com, Sept. 2003. Web. 23 Jan. 2011. .

COMM 352 Spring 2011 "Top Topical Topics"

I'm not sure what to create a website about.  Most of my confusion comes from copyright issues and uncertainty about whether or not I'm allowed to talk about companies.

Here I my topics and the issues I have with them.

-Building Gundam models.  It's a hobby I've enjoyed since high school so I have a lot of experience and could easily fill several pages of information.  My only issue is whether or not I can use the "Gundam" names and show the pictures I took of them.  This topic is my favorite one.

-Algae biodiesel.  I've done reports on this topic in the past, and my only hang up is that there is not a lot of information or research that I can make into a stable website.

-My dog, Jezebel.  We don't really know what kind of dog "Jesse" is.  This one would be the safest site to create, but would involve getting a very paranoid dog to act naturally and not stare directly into the camera like a deer.  She has enough quirks and mysteries to fill a book.

-Bad business plans and worse inventions.  It's become an ongoing joke of mine to come up with spur of the moment plans for businesses that would fail horribly, like a macabre restaurant or snowshoe flame-throwers.  It would be funny to take these ideas and illustrate them for a webpage.

COMM 352- Expectate Ions

It's been years since I've had to type just the basic html, and there are now a lot of programs out there (like this one) that allow for easy publishing of website material. I expect that Computer Mediated Studies will be about learning how to navigate this programs and create accessible material for the Internet. I don't expect use to be able to cover every pitfall and trick in one semester.