Thursday, February 17, 2011

Breaking the Book

I selected "Breaking the book" as my trend for 2011. Being an avid reader, I think eBooks are fantastic. They are cheap, almost 2/3's the cost of the printed book; easy to read; and the file size is tiny. I have an Amazon Kindle and it was the best purchase I have ever made. I love that I can take any book, anywhere.

While this may not be the BIGGEST trend, I do believe it will be one of the most important in years to come. Just like most movies are becoming 3D, most books are now available as eBooks, often weeks before their release dates. Entire chapters are available as "Samples", letting you decide whether you like a book before paying for it. Authors like James Patterson often release entire sections for free. In his new book, Tick Tock, he released all of part 1...that is almost 180 pages. Also, eBooks make it easier for the novice author to write a book and spread it to the world. Amazon uses what they refer to as "Singles", which are often just short stories and cost nothing. However, it could truly help to generate interest in an author people may not know. I believe that the only thing holding this trend back in the United States is the decline in the number of people who read for fun. The majority of my friends only read when they need to, which saddens me because they honestly have no idea of all that they are missing. Only time can tell what will happen with eBooks, but I believe they are the future for written materials.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Censorship

I do not believe in censorship when it comes to the internet. I strongly believe that ALL knowledge is good knowledge as long as it is in moderation. If you object to something, such as pornography, violence, etc..., than DON'T look at it. No one forces you to go to certain sites. For some people, these things are there careers, and whether you disagree with what they are doing, no person has the right to tell someone else they "can't" do it because they don't want to see it.

Also, once you start censorship, than where do you draw the line? What is considered porn, and what is considered art?

For example, what makes this very famous Botticelli painting ART and not soft core pornography? Censorship belongs to closed-minded individuals, not to those who think. This is clearly art, but some have tried to say that it is more. I for one, do not want someone else doing my thinking for me and telling me what is acceptable for my eyes. I have my own brain, I can decide for myself.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

"What I hope to get out of CSI 112 this semester'

What I look forward to learning most in this course is how to do more complex skills with the different Microsoft programs. I was very good with older versions of word, powerpoint, etc..., but I am not as familiar with the newer versions. I also look forward to learning any tricks or tips which will allow me to maximize my Windows 7 experience.