Google Gaining Power

Google has been around for quite some time now so it is no surprise how well it has continued to develop and grow as a database. It’s capabilities range from searching anything you can think of, Google+ social media, Google Docs and various other personalization capabilities.

So the question is, does Google have too much power over our lives?

To me, I believe that it does not. Google gains power based on how much you give it. No one says that you HAVE to use Google, there are plenty of ways of getting around without using Google. Therefore, I believe Google gains power by choice.

I use Google almost on a daily basis. Most commonly for searching, I mainly use Google to check spelling, look up definitions, search for how-to videos and sometimes to look up restaurant and store locations. But that is about it.

Although I use it almost everyday I don’t feel like it has much power over me. If I go a few days without using Google I hardly notice any lack of functionality in my life.

In this case I don’t think Googlization has any control over my life.

Overindulgence in anything isn’t always good and the same goes for Google. If you choose to give as much power as you can, then I’m sure you will someday find yourself needing some time away from Google. If you feel like Google is veering too far into your life then there isn’t much to blame other than yourself.

Personally, I believe there is a limit and self-control that can be used to avoid Google from taking over our lives and the amount of power we want to give it all generates from our choice.

Conversing on Convergence

When I think back to middle school I remember how cell phones were just becoming a big thing to have. There were the select few within my grade that had cells phones while the rest of us were stuck with our landlines. It’s funny to think how those who had cell phones were simply using them to text and call with the occasional use of the tiny camera or calculator functionality.

Now – you can simultaneously send a tweet, buy a book, make a dinner reservation and a vast amount of other tasks all from one device that fits in your pocket.

But where does it stop?

The capabilities that our phones hold has some people so centered on their device that they couldn’t imagine life without it. Due to this convergence and collection of capabilities it is difficult not to become so attached.

But there is a positive side to this mass convergence – it gives people a voice.

A company or organization can have a Facebook and Twitter page, an Instagram account, a LinkedIn and even a YouTube channel. They can post coupons, promotional material, contests and a various other marketing opportunities. But it doesn’t stop there. Having these platforms allows consumers to directly connect with said company or organization.

People love giving their two cents and having the capability to reach out on all of these platforms from our smart phones gives the perfect opportunity to do so. What’s great about this is that some of these companies and organizations are starting to listen. A consumer can leave a comment asking a question or reporting an issue and the company can reach out providing troubleshooting and other assistance.

Personally, I think the advanced convergence that is occurring within technology and our smart phones among other various platforms is a good thing and can lead to a lot of possibilities. 

Blogging in the 2000s

After reading Rebecca Blood’s interview with blogger Megan Reardon, I feel like I got a glimpse into the past of what blogging was like when it was growing recognition. Reardon, who has a BFA in Dramaturgy from Purchase College, started blogging on her own craft site in 2001 as for what she described as "a place for me to keep things I am interested in." Among her blogging recognition, she has also had some of her knitting patterns published in various books.

As I read through the interview I began to notice how some of the things Reardon mentions now have their own platforms. Most specifically when Reardon responds to why she started blogging, to which she replies, “I started Not Martha as a way to keep track of links and ideas I was interested in or knew I'd want to reference later.” Being that her blog is a crafting/DIY style, I felt like had Pinterest been around in the early 2000’s, Reardon would have been a prime pinner. The process of saving links and collecting ideas is one of the foundational purposes of Pinterest – a site Reardon hopefully has since discovered.

One element of blogging that Reardon mentions that I feel is still around today is the hassle with comments. Reardon explains that she removed the ability to comment on her blog post due to the commenters getting a little too combative. Still to this day, social media sites and basically any site that allows feedback gets the occasional five year old that feels the need to stir up some trouble. Sites like Reddit feed off this trolling nature to which some find amusing but others – like Reardon – who don’t have any time to deal with it.

My main takeaway from this interview was how much the blogging world has changed since this interview took place. I'm interested to see what the next ten years have in store for bloggers around the world.

Overall the interview was a really good read. I was able to see how Reardon approached blogging, her creative process and how her blog has evolved over time.

For those of you interested in reading the original interview feel free to check it out here.

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