>>: From the fine folks over at Common Craft comes this refreshingly low-tech and highly cogent video explanation of how wikis work:
>>: Computers & Writing 2007: The Aftermath. Aside from the nagging bout of consumption I became infected with while I was up in Detroit, I had a good time on the whole, what with the socializing and exploring Wayne State's crazy, space-age architecture and what-not. Doug Dangler and I presented in front of a group of approx. 10 or so on the viability of adapting Kenneth Burke's dramatistic theory as an analytic for reading digital media texts, particularly in the classroom. From where I sat, we were fairly well received, and even got some excellent advice about addressing Burke's humanistic bias in adapting the analytic.
Of the other presentations I attended, I should make mention of Matt Barton and Robert Cummings' thought-provoking panel on Wikis, which explored the guild-like social structure of Wikipedia and argued for designing a qualitative/quantitative research tool for studying writing style in multi-authored wikis. Family business cut our visit short, unfortunately, so I didn't get to see much more after that... Next year's conference will be held in Athens, Georgia, so I'll be sure to attend.
This approaching Saturday, Doug Dangler and I will be presenting at Computers & Writing, held this year at Wayne State in Detroit. On the docket is a hybrid presentation of epic proportions--part theoretical rationale, part pedagogical implementation--on the topic of using Kenneth Burke's dramatistic analysis as a lens for reading new media texts. I know, exciting stuff...in fact, simmer down, you in the front! You can find out more in person this Saturday in the heart of the Motor City.
One last thing: I think I figured out why there were so many attendees at my CCCC panel in mid-March. Apparently, we were part of a small bevy of press releases for the conference...I can only assume the publicity helped. I feel like I came across smarter there than I did in the panel itself. ;)
Semifinalists have been selected for the Sundance Channel's "What's the Big Idea?" contest, where participants submit their 1-minute videos explaining an innovative green concept, product, or activity. Open voting is underway until the end of May, after which five finalists will be selected, and a panel of judges will decide on the ultimate winner.
Why am I telling you this? O Gentle Reader? Well, it just so happens that Your Humble Blogger is one of those semifinalists, so be sure to vote early, often, and with mucho gusto:
Len, the imaginative illustrator behind "Monster by Mail," created a wonderful work of art for us: The Clintonville Underwear Strangler (we supplied the concept). Here's a video of the masterpiece as it unfolds:
And a static Flickr pic.