JerPOOP | Your guide to all things… nerdy.

So I started a vlog…

The Empire Strikes Barack

Okay, I’ve changed my opinion. THIS is the best election video so far… surpassing even Viva Obama… gasp!

JerPOOP is Away!

Sorry I’ve been so MIA folks. I’ve been out of the country. But I promise to blog more tech geekiness cuz heck… I’ve been in one of the most awesomest places for all things nerdy — Japan!

To tide you over till my next post, here’s a picture of a cool Vaio I saw at the Sony Building in Ginza. Sorry its not a Mac. =)

MT vs WP! FTW!

So I’ve been up till around 4am the last couple of days mostly because I’ve become obsessed with learning how to work around Movable Type. (Yes, I said “Movable Type” on my WordPress blog… blah blah blah.) Generally speaking, its a pretty nifty blogging tool. I guess what mostly attracted me to it was that new iPhone plug-in that automatically customizes your layout to be iPhone friendly — and ironically 1) I haven’t installed it yet, 2) I don’t have an iPhone yet. But aside from that. It has its kinks where I would prefer WordPress better — but I tend to like the interface and customization more. So we’ll see.

I’ve found myself in the middle of the Blog Wars… slightly less cooler than the Clone Wars, but I digress. Any thoughts?

FREE BREAKFAST @ JAMBA!!!

Don’t forget about the FREE BREAKFAST at Jamba Juice!  They’re promoting their new breakfast menu, so today only [Tues, April 8] their giving a way free yummerific food. They look pretty good too… granola topped yogurt - and will be limited to 12-oz. products including Juice, Juices, Chunk Strawberry, Granola Toppers, and Yogurt Blends.

Honestly, if I could wake up early enough, I’d go. Really now… I’m gonna be sleeping.  But hey, if you’re one of those people who believe in pre-10am mornings then don’t miss out. There’s probably going to be a line wherever you go though… cuz hey, its FREE FOOD!

VIVA OBAMA 2008

I think that pehaps… hands down… this has got to be the best election video ever. TAKE THAT OBAMA GIRL!

Epitome of Multitasking

Alright, this may be old news to some of you out there — but hey, the guy can play the flute, beatbox, AND remix at the same time. So he gets a post. Kudos to you, Mr. Beat-flute-remixing-box Guy. Kudos.

Social Rambling: Moderating the House of Mouse

In my experience, the level of moderation and user monitoring really depends on the context and basis of the social network in question. I’ve realized that the more sensitive the general issue, the greater the need for user sanctions and regulations. As the article states, “it is important that the rules are tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the group.”

Disney.com’s Extreme Digital social network, for example, is a site focused on children’s content. This community is a great example of the extremities of moderation a site can have and follows the only a few of Ostrom’s rules of management. For one thing, users can participate in chats, but can only really choose from a preset selection of sentences. They cannot have user-generated based conversations. This is Disney’s take on tailoring a community not just for children, but the censors who lurk in every crevice of the net. With this in mind and regardless of the amount of restrictions already placed on the users, each bit and action is monitored very carefully – in case a loop hole in their tightly knit system is found.

Although it is obvious that Disney.com does not exist to emulate the freedoms that users on Usenet have been given, I do not 100% agree with the paranoia behind the face of their moderation and control over various cyber social dilemmas. I know there are many community enthusiasts within the “House of Mouse” who battle constantly with the legal department for internet freedom… so its a gradual process with all the childrens protection acts in place on the web. However, the Disney fanbase is not completely limited to toddlers, kids, and tweens. Yes, they need to be more innovative with their approach. The demand is there, Mick!

Zelda the Movie!

UPDATE 4/2/08 - Okay fine, this post was an April Fool’s joke. LoL. Good job IGN!

Nerds, geeks, and dorks galore… you better start waiting in line now! Just make sure to wait at the right theater this time, k?

Social Rambling: Mobile Communication and Society

“…while the new technologies bring new means of coordination and of social support, they are appropriated in a way that strengthens family relationships instead of causing any revolutionary change.” – Manuel Castells

I do agree that mobile technology has brought about an increased bond between family members. They are able to coordinate easily, check up on each other, and just connect when needed. It has truly reinvented how they interact with each other. However, there is an aspect to this “stronger” bond that can be argued. While mobile technology has helped families in various aspects, it can also be said that it has helped distance their quality time with each other as well. Consider, for example, the child that speaks on the phone with his or her friends on a constant basis. The advent of the mobile phone and improved monthly plan has contributed to this behavior, thus distancing the child from the rest of the family while at home. They will often find a secluded place to babble on. When the family member is required to be with the rest of the clan, it is not uncommon to see them texting away at the dinner table.

Mobile technology then creates more of an individual space that limits communal interaction. The television, for instance, strengthened the concept of family time around a communal space in the house. It encouraged quality time spent with other members and helped strengthen bonds between them. While mobile phones make it easier for people to coordinate themselves, it is likely that it has caused a greater distance between each other at the same time. Thus a device that exists to connect individuals ironically can do very opposite.