Response to papers: Katie and Kathy

1. Does this seem like a practical solution to the problem of repatriation on a grand scale? With all of our discussions on the uses of technology to represent objects, is the physical object what is important, or the ability to have a connection with the object (even a virtual one).
For small museums, I believe that a database such as this could be very useful. Smaller institutions do not have the resources to seek out items for repatriation. A site like this may enc0urage otherwise inactive institutions. I still feel the physical object retains more value than a recreation in the virtual world. Imaging the real object is even more powerful than seeing an image of it on the computer screen. The computer makes it something else...trivial. It is easier to lose site of its value. It becomes a photograph, less real and not itself.
2. Some people argue that too much time is being spent creating virtual comprehensive catalogues of these objects, instead of working to bring them back to the Yukon. Most museums expend effort to create databases, but databases of things they have, not things they don't. What do you think?
Data is data and it is always good to open dialogue and receive more information on an object that may have been previously lost or unknown.
1. What do you think of the data they've chosen to present? There's an on-going arguement on several listserves, including NATIVE-L, about the presentation of native objects.
It seems that objects of everyday use are freely mixed with objects of cultural significance. Some may be offended by this. It may confuse the value of the objects, putting them all on the same level.
2. This site seems as if it could have a lot of potential in the Web 2.0 arena, with the opportunity for individuals to add additional metadata to the object pages in a way that would meet one of the objectives of the project, which is to reconcile objects with information. In fact, the private database is being distributed to native groups throughout the territory and any data provided on any object is being recorded, with all information given equal weight. Could this work at any institution? What are the pros/cons of inviting that type of open participation?
The question of authority becomes unclear, but it appears that is the world we are now living in (Wikipedia, etc...). Everyone feels entitled to participate. This is good for opening dialogue. The question of peer review on oral history is sketchy.

1. Considering the idea that "The aim of art is not to represent the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance," (Aristotle) how well do you think Interactions represents the movement toward personalization and real-time interactivity as experienced in Web 2.0?
It is an interesting media, one in which I would not be driven to participate, but even still, it opens up avenues for manipulation and expression and interpretation. I don't think that is ever a bad thing.
2. How interested are you in viewing digital art as a way to explore the new world of digital media, interactivity and web communities?
Not very. I use the computer to work and do research, not leisurely, or as a means of exploring art. I need tangible objects and art for interactivity. It is more stimulating.

Readings for 5 November

Mel's Paper: I think this paper asks the obvious and most difficult question to deal with when developing a web page: who are your site users? What a luxury to have an outside firm help you answer this question. I like the idea of layering information on a site. I also thought it was interesting that SFMOMA's suspected audience was much different from their acutal audience.

Mack's Paper: I really enjoy the idea of this digital media project in idea, however, faced with viewing the actual product in a library setting, I think I would easily overlook it. Perhaps it would give me something to do as I was standing patiently in line, but, like most people, I am in a rush to get information on my research, and not interested in information on what everyone else it doing.

I think it would work well for community members using the library more leisurely than those coming with an immediate purpose.

Response to Readings for 10/22

I like the idea of creating a blog while the museum is in a state of transition and is not actually open. A blog allows dialogue to continue in the community and also informs the public that the museum is alive and well even though its doors are temporarily closed. This particular blog allows the museum to attempt to attract a new audience (youth) and discover what new relationships can be had. I think the museum handled its construction well by publishing posts internally first and defining clear goals, such as what would be talked about and how would they talk about those topics.

The article by Darren Peacock was a little harder to digest. Yes, the ability to define an online audience is difficult, if not impossible. I believe the article went in circles and did not really establish a true solution to the problem. Though some good points were made in relation to the failed attempted to evaluate audience based on marketing strategies, over all usablity, and visitor studies.

Paper discussions:

I think it is great that museums are actually working towards putting their collections database online with only limited public access. Museums are supposed to be for the people, a resource for learning. OpenCollection software is very user friendly and will allow people the type of access to collections that promotes thorough research. Other museums will also benefit from the collaboration opportunities it presents. A database is not as valuable if it is just a resource for collections staff. This software allows all of the museum staff to benefit from it, as well as the public. The link between externally and internally focused collection functions can be very helpful. I love that it frees up some finances by not requiring license fees, etc.

I liked the idea of My Evidence a lot. It reminded me of a project Marisa, Aspen, and I created for the Intro class last year. We created a plan for an introductory hall to explore the statement, “Scientific knowledge is uncertain, tentative and subject to revision.” Recent controversy over topics such as evolution and global warming, demonstrate the ease in which the public can develop criticism for that which they cannot directly observe. The exhibit we proposed, “What is fact?” aimed to create in the visitor a tolerance for uncertainty and recognition that science is not a linear process with concrete answers. As an introductory hall, it targeted those visitors with skepticism and preconceived notions of what a science or natural history museum has to offer. I think it is great to allow the visitor a chance to challenge the science they are about to see. It is great to let them know how we as a museum staff, gather evidence to present a product to the public.

Hello all,

Here is the link to the paper I would like to read for class:

http://www.archimuse.com/ichim07/papers/devine/devine.html

Yesterday I experimented with several different games and other interactives on the following webpages:

http://nanozone.org
www.lawrencehallofscience.org/kids/
www.exploratorium.edu/explor/online.html

and www.virtualmuseum.ca/PM.cgi

The nanotechnology website contained text, animation, flash, audio, and push-button items. I attempted to Save the Farm via the Green Milk activity. The activity involved reading charts and graphs, taking blood samples from cartoon cows, and sending healthy cows to the dairy and sick cows to the vet. A cow serves as the narrator and guides you through the activity. Macromedia flashplayer was necessary for some activities.

On the lawrencehallofscience page I played with the aphid eater game. Adobe Flash was required. The game involved moving a ladybug around a rose to eat aphids and in so doing prevent the rose from dying. Cartoon images were involved. No audio elements were added. I also took the bat quiz which contained scanned illustrations of bats and 10 true/false questions. This activity contained mostly text.

I tested my French skills on the Virtual Museum of Canada website. I designed two trains and emailed them to my friends...why, I don't know, it asked me too. The activity involved text, audio, and animation. The activity required macromedia flash.

"Plug-ins," I've discovered, allow you to extend the functionality of your website with customized functions and features.

I think I needed Adobe Flashplayer to play with most of the interactives. But, not all.

I really do not understand these games and interactives. I am not the type of person who enjoys living in the virtual world. Video games have never tempted me and I don't like spending more time on the computer than I have to. I think such interactives can be very damaging to a child's imagination and get them way to accustomed to instant gratification. Push button convenience breeds strip mall mentality.

I was thinking again about yesterday's lecture. Do people really want to see the Mona Lisa because they have seen pictures of the artwork and they think it is so beautiful and the greatest piece of art they have ever seen? Or, do people want to see the Mona Lisa because it is this rare object off in some foreign land? The mystery of it, and the potential that I may never get the chance, is what would drive me to see it...not that I really think it is beautiful, because, I DON'T!! So this idea of a virtual image of her just doesn't make sense to me.

Wind River Mountains

The lake in the previous photograph is Pyramid. It is located in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming. It was taken on a crazy eight day backpacking trip. In fact, I just came back from their again. Silas and I took a trail ride in the foothills for Labor Day. For some reason I though it would be a good idea to have the ol' girl lope...she did not feel the same...sagebrush is not soft...