The Medium I'm In

In thinking more about our class discussion on 5/1 surrounding the differing experiences to be had based on the medium one may be writing or reading in, my thoughts turn again to Marshall McLuhan. This is a true example of his "the Medium is the Message", in that thought processes and actions are influenced and changed based on the medium itself (regardless of the content). In thinking about my own experiences, I do find that I arrange my thoughts differently (and perhaps in a more formal way) when typing rather than writing, and again when I know it may be read by others (albeit in a blog, a seemingly less formal setting). In this case, I find myself revising and re-writing more, perhaps more easily and more frequently in a computer rather than a written medium (which can still be changed, but in my mind has more permanence). How does this relate to ideas of authenticity? It is interesting the think about the potential impact that factors like this may have on content. So, the type of medium can have an influence and also the purpose of the medium (i.e. a blog versus a formal paper). Overall, the experience of blogging has been a great one for me (and one that I will continue), in that though it is still a typed medium it allows for more free thought and expression than perhaps other media would (i.e. formal papers). Considering these factors and the influence they have is important in studying the impact of various media.

To my I2 class: I have enjoyed working and blogging with all of you, and I hope we can continue! :)