Media 2.0: Production & Distribution in the Internet Age
Fall 2012 syllabus
While traditional media outlets continue to be the main source for news and entertainment content, the internet has become a secondary, decentralized network for the distribution of a wide variety of content. Key to this explosion in creative output is that the internet allows producers to supplement and bypass (though not necessarily replace) traditional media gatekeepers. Bloggers, podcasters, filmmakers, musicians and a host of other creative artists can get their work directly to the hands of their audiences. Low cost technology means that many more people can create work that can rival the quality of traditional media. This contributes to what Wired magazine editor Chris Anderson has described as “the long tail” theory: selling less (in quantity) of more, diverse, products. This course examines the economics of the long tail phenomenon in conjunction with the cultural shifts that are emerging as part of convergence culture (Jenkins, 2006). As part of the class, we talk directly to people who are producing and distributing their work on the Internet and through other alternative channels and explore how these new distribution forms challenge assumptions about how mass media should/does work.
Past guest speakers:
Fall 2011: Brian Ibbott, Coverville podcast; Jason Scott, filmmaker & computer historian/archivist
Fall 2010: Yancy Strickler, Kickstarter; Kerry Crawford-Trisler, I Love Memphis blog
Fall 2009: Matt Belknap, Never Not Funny podcast; Jason Scott, director of BBS Documentary and Get Lamp
Fall 2008: Jesse Thorn, Sound of Young America podcast & radio show and Jesse, Jordan Go podcast; Adam Koford, web comic artist; Brad Sucks, open source musician