Week 1 Convergence Culture

McDaniel. (artist).(2008). Academic Curriculum Image. [photo] Retrieved June 7, 2009, from http://www.flickr.com/photos/13102672@N00/3107918195/

Convergence Culture takes a look at the surge of various media delivery tools and the ever blurring line between producer and consumer. One of the best examples is found in the "spoilers" who attempt to dissect that which is "Survivor" in attempt to divulge the secrets to who is going to be the ultimate survivor. Connecting with a community of like-minded souls who seek the thrill of unveiling who goes next reminds all with the help of the Internet. Another shining example, American Idol, seems to stabilize our TV viewing by hooking us with the need to vote after the show. A clever move in the age of TiVo and digital video recording. I find humor in the idea of collective intelligence where one person is not omniscient and needs the input of others to gain supreme knowledge. These collective communities come together as if playing a game with the ultimate goal of revealing the winner thus spoiling the anticipation that has built up for thousands of viewers. The "fourth screen" brings a new level of media availability to consumers that takes us mobile. No longer are we confined by the walls of our home. This new streamlined technology is transforming life as we know it.