Direct Link to the Playstation Network Community Blog:
Playstation Network Outage!!!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
ANONYMOUS vs. SONY??? Or SONY vs. YOU!!!!
Anonymous a well known lose band of hackers has denounced claims that they are responsible for PS Network outages. PS3 owners have become innocent bystanders in a long going battle between Sony and Anonymous. Sources close to both sides reveal a story of propaganda from the other with little remorse for the PS3 Online community. It must be said the Anonymous has spoken for the gaming community in many instances but is often considered friend plus foe by gamers worldwide.
Earlier this year Anonymous was noted as the group responsible for lagging PS3 servers then quickly retorting the success of the attack on the servers. The reason given by some Anonymous backers was that they did not seek to hurt the gamers in addition too wanting to revise their plan of strategy in the on going battle with Sony. Can a group powerful enough to infiltrate the Sony servers totally bring it down? Shouldn’t Anonymous be given the benefit of the doubt? Is jail time essential for whomever is responsible for this outage? I’ll answer this last question simply, NO!! I’d rather my tax dollars go to the reform of these intelligent individuals whomever they maybe then throwing them in a jail cell. My sentiment is in the minority as a quick visit to any the gaming forum will show.
Stay tune for more information throughout the weekend.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Social Media and the End of Gender
TED.com Speaker Johanna Blakley
The age-old adage still applies to most marketing plans. You must know your customer to advertise your products successfully. Or is this truly the case in the new social media age? Can advertisers confirm the demographic of every Internet or social media consumer? Is there a chance that little Bobby has signed in to his dads amazon account to purchase a Nintendo DS? These are all relevant question in the recent technological era that all current business will have to confront.
Johanna Blakley a TED.com speaker proposed some innovative ways to view the current landscape in here speaker presentation “Social Media and the End of Gender”. The focus of her brief lecture dealt with many of the question I’ve posed in this article. The old media (TV, newspapers) have for years depended on demographic information to aid in their prospective marketing ventures. Nonetheless, in the new economic climate companies have swayed towards focusing on potential consumer’s likes to determine marketing campaigns. Being aware of what sites a viewer frequents or what sort of advertising they click on can be extremely beneficial more so then demographic data. Social media has driven this train of thought amongst business experts.
As noted by Johanna there is sufficient data that quantifies women as the primary social media user. This cognition will direct the way that companies approach marketing focuses in the near future. Johanna’s approach is clear and concise. I appreciate her candor and expertise in matters of statistical data that doesn’t conform to the old standard. This innovative viewpoint can help new businesses employ effective strategies to compete against better-known entities.
The passion that Johanna displays shows in her charisma while presenting to the TED.com community. The manner is which she translates core data to common wording allows the listeners to grasp her concepts easily. Directing the listeners to a new marketing focus placing women, as the primary gender of advertising should not be a shock unless the issue of equality lies within the reader. We all must recognize as I have in WarStation TV’s marketing plan, women are the first-string gender to frequent social media and dominate that space.
Outside Sources:
TED.com Johanna Blakley: Social Media & The End of Gender
Sunday, April 10, 2011
THE POWER OF ASCAP AND ITS MEMBERS
The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) is a performing rights organization (PRO) that monitors radio, music label, and other business uses of copyrighted material. ASCAP is a not for profit organization but is responsible for hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for their members. Personally, I’m (Jason Williams) an ASCAP member and have been since 2000 as a writer and publisher. This association has over 300,000 members that are comprised of songwriters, recording artist, and publishers throughout the world. Technically the members run ASCAP’s operations.
ASCAP has been viewed as one of the most powerful associations in the entertainment business. Using a tracking system ASCAP collects data on radio plays, public performances, commercial usage etc. to calculate a dollar value owed to its respective members. Many instances in the past decades have shown ASCAP’s vigor to collect payment on behalf of its members.
In the current technological climate ASCAP has faced numerous challenges, primarily in regards to piracy in addition to seeking payment for its members from mobile device usage. Recently, PRO associations have gone as far as to seek retribution from individual mobile phone user for playing copyrighted material aloud through ringtones in public places. A simple action such as receiving a phone call initiating a ringtone on a public bus could be a charge based on ASCAP’s assumption. According to figures published by the Entertainment Software Association (2010) in 2009 there where 4.6 billion mobile phone users versus 1 billion in 2002 (¶ 10). This dilemma has challenged ASCAP, its members and other PRO associations such as Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI).
There are numerous programs ASCAP has implemented to help businesses in the entertainment industry. Awards, grants, and scholarships are awarded through the ASCAP Foundation. Composers are awarded recognition as well as financial supplements annually. To accelerate the process of gaining new innovative members ASCAP has instituted numerous programs to help high school and universities mold entertainers of the future. Notably this powerhouse association has implemented America Scores, Children Will Listen, Music In The Schools, and Creativity In The Classroom programs across America to foster positive music learning practices in America’s youth.
The marketing campaign of ASCAP is expansive and covers nearly all aspects of advertising. TV Commercials, radio spots, Internet ads to name a few are consistent landmarks of ASCAPS presence to the public. Social media has also felt the impact of this same marketing campaign. ASCAP is relevant on twitter @ASCAP and tweets relevant entertainment resources in addition to workshop information for members.
A Publishing Board, Writer Board, Committee of Boards, and Board of Review comprise ASCAP’s main legislative bodies. These bodies are considered the Board of Directors that is made up of writers and publishers that are elected every 2 years. The Committee of Boards is broken down into several committees that have individual focuses. The ASCAP Board of Review is an independent section of members from the previously mention boards/committees that oversees any claims of unjust practices by ASCAP’s leading committees.
In the near future ASCAP will continue to be the voice of multiple entertainers. As technology advances its fair to assume that ASCAP will stay relevant and cater to their member’s needs. Maintaining an aggressive approach can appear destructive in certain situations, it does however assure that ASCAP will be a strong association in the current technological landscape.
Outside Sources:
ASCAP Board of Directors Page - http://www.ascap.com/about/board-intro.aspx
Video Games & the Economy
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Does Race Matter in Video Games?
The exhilaration of becoming a one man wrecking crew in a First Person Shooter (FPS) such as Call of Duty can be a form of entertainment unmatched by any other. On any given day millions of gamers can be online playing Madden 11 the world’s exclusive NFL title, or mimicking Sack boy within the Sony Little Big Planet video game community. The video game industry has provided games that immerse the player/consumer to an everlasting end. The Wii, Xbox 360, and PS3 have all implemented forms of motion sensor controllers. Motion sensors detect player’s physical movements without the need for a traditional controller. Immersive game development has been a key factor in the introduction of next generation systems to the casual gamer. Video game publishers plus developers have aimed to push video games to the podium of the entertainment industry in recent years.
Currently publishers and developers have been faced with the issue of providing gamers with a fully immersive gaming experience. This dynamic has added the demand to provide consumers with video game characters that represent all race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and cultures. Matthew Kato (2011) of Game Informer explains,“ The topics of race can be an explosive one, and as we see in other media forms, who we are is not always reflected by what we see in the games we play” (p. 12). Kato emphasizes that,” This isn’t just a problem on your TV screen; the absence of diversity can be a problem behind the scenes at your favorite developer/publisher as well” (p. 12). The cable companies saw the need to add diversity to their TV programming decade’s ago. The expansion on diverse characters has provided multiple benefits. The addition of channels like BET and Telemundo has diversified the representation of multiple race, culture, and genders on television.
Video games are an art form that provides a backdrop and over arching story to any character. The need to diversify the main characters from the typical white male super heroes only adds depth to the pool of stories for the player. Games such as Fallout 3 and Mass Effect 2 allow players to build an avatar before the game starts of any race or gender. Character customization has received critical acclaim within the gaming community on these 2 titles in particular. Kato (2011) mentions,” Character customization is a tool to allow players to create whatever diversity they want, including the chance to see themselves reflected in the game they are playing” (p. 12). Morgan Gray (2011) the Development Director at 2k Marin believes, “One path to getting more racial diversity in video game characterization is on the ground floor with the developers themselves” (p. 12). There is no definitive answer on if the approach of character diversification in games will be more profitable, but it must be noted that it can only add to the experience.
Video games such as Afro Samurai, Final Fantasy X, and Tomb Raider have proven that a diverse set of main characters can support successful franchises. Licensed sports games for the NBA, NFL, NCAA, and FIFA containing minority main characters prove further the profitability of a video game franchise with diverse main characters. The need to see oneself in a video game does not determine how good the game may be, but it adds a layer of immersion when you can easily see a character like yourself completing tasks in the game.
Outside Sources:
Dickerman, C., Christensen, J., & Kerl-McClain, S. (2008). Big Breasts and Bad Guys: Depictions of Gender and Race in Video Games. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 3(1), 20-29. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Kato, M. (2011) Widening the Scope – A look at racial diversity in video games - Game Informer, Volume XXI – Number 2 – Issue 214
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
To Be Independent or Not To Be Independent? That is the Question!
~Exclusive Interview~
Marlena Cooper – CEO- TrackDiamondz LLC
In a time of over saturated Hip-Hop the underground component has become highly competitive. Many artists seek to become major stars with the use of independent record labels and publishing companies. Often an exuberance to lead in the music industry gets thwarted due to the hostile atmosphere surrounding those seeking success. The music business can be a source of enormous income but more often then not will result in a financial loss on the independent level. The music business is better suited for individuals who can focus on the big picture while balancing financial goals.
This week Warstation TV has caught up with Marlena Cooper CEO of independent record label TrackDiamondz LLC. Marlena has executive produced plus marketed several music projects since 2006, in Georgia, The Metro Area, Nebraska, and Europe. Most notably her 2009 venture, “Grammy Family Chapter 1” featured gold artist Shyheim, Killa Army, Sychopath, Twelve and Blacmaff. This full-length album produced singles that landed on the Underground Charts in France. TrackDiamondz has recently released singles in France, Japan, and the United States in 2010 plus charted on Japan’s Underground Charts in 2009 as well.
Marlena is managing a mix-tape project for TrackDiamondz set to release April 2011 in France then shortly thereafter in United States. According to Marlena, “This will be a mix-tape that reaches out to all music genre listeners” in regards to the music project tentatively titled, “The Grind Don’t Stop”. She continues, “Timing is important, but giving the fans a product they can enjoy is the number one priority “. Principles that Marlena has displayed professionally have given her confidence in customer satisfaction when managing a project. She is widely considered one of the most influential female executives working in the Northern New Jersey Area independently.
Budgeting an independent project is important and constrained due to realistic financial possibilities. Accordant to Marlena,” The presentation of the music packaging and artwork are the largest financial hurdles”. In the modern era of independent labels, production is no longer a huge financial burden. Typically the production, engineering, and writing are kept in house to minimize the cost of creating the actual music. Distribution continues to be the constant problem posed to publishers and record labels on the smaller levels. Marlena noted the importance of social media in her exclusive interview with Warstation TV’s creator Jason Williams. Marlena said, “My camp is strong, they’ve helped me evolve, but social media allowed me the avenue to link up with my current producer then place my products on the global market”.
When deciding on whether to be an independent entrepreneur, a business man/woman must balance the benefits of that approach. The creativity allowed in smaller companies can be great but if the financial backing isn’t apparent a project may never get out to the masses. Many great ideas can be placed on the drawing board but a financial artist must weave the appropriate results for prosperity. Consumers should be the targets of all decisions made during any projects inception, catering to their needs can allow for the financial gain to fund future projects.
Outside Sources:
Marlena Cooper CEO of TrackDiamondz LLC. Blayze University Interview
Tiny – Sumthin2Groove2 Single, TrackDiamondz LLC. http://juicygangradio.com/tiny-sumthing-2-groove-2/
Warstation TV Exclusive Interview with Marlena Cooper CEO of TrackDiamondz LLC. Posted by Jason Williams 3/6/11 retrieved from www.warstationtv.blogspot.com
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