The principle of Modularity defines new media in different independent modules that can represent themselves independently and can also be combined together to represent a single piece. Manovich resembled this characteristic as the “fractal structure” of new media, that is these modules have detailed patterns of repeating themselves while maintaining their own individuality. Author also defined the analogy between a computer software and the modules of new media on the basis of the scripts written in a program. But, I agree with the limitations defined in this assertion that unlike new media, software can not perform in the absence of a specific module or script.
In my opinion this modular structure of new media creates more flexibility and is more user friendly especially in today’s electronic age. It not only made internet surfing more faster and detailed but also much more organized. Nowadays everything is being computerized and I believe that the numeric representation and modules of any new media object work together. An illustration given by the author is a digital photograph that can be “reprogrammed” through sampling and digitalization. Another common example of numerical representation is the pixel counts that are considered before purchasing a new television, this is a numerical representation that make it different from the old media.
The discreteness and modualrity are similar characteristics of new media. Both define the individual nature of any script, piece or module. As mentioned by Menovich in one of his article regarding “image future” Manovich defined how new media techniques of 3D image factor, animation, cinematography, graphic designs and other factors creates different kinds of images. These are different pieces working together and producing different outcomes. Manovich explained the fusion of different techniques in the movie Matrix triolgy. Here his focus is to define the infrastructure of new media he points out that “according to Marxist theory of historical development, infrastructure (i.e., mode of production in a given society – also called “base”) changes well before superstructure (ideology and culture in this society).” article Image future. Manovich, Feb 19.
Although, until now I am not very fond of the idea of openness in each every aspect of life, through data mining a random company can predict your 100% day to day routine. I agree to the fact that new media is playing important role in technological innovation. New media is truly making this world a global village and breaking the social, cultural and in some instances technological boundaries every day.
While working on this blog I tried to find out about Lev Manovich and came across this site, I though it would be interesting to share it on this blog, here is the link:
http://manovich.net/
That is Manovich’s website. He makes pretty much everything he produces available for free. We can argue that that’s the spirit of openness to which you refer above. I’d like to see you take an example that illustrates one of the concepts you resent and dig into it more deeply. For example, what more can we say about pixel counts or predictive algorithms? How do these examples connect to your own understanding of how new media work?
Good write…I agree with not being fond of the idea of openness in every aspect of life. I think tagging data mining with technological innovation is not the ideal answer since most marketing companies are involved with data mining.
Pixel counts and screen resolution makes all the difference, it is actually the pixel density that is a numerical representation almost 5 to 10 years ago we didn’t actually cared about this stuff, another common example of numerical representation is the new generation DSLRs, the higher the pixel count and higher the zoom the better the camera. Its fascinating to realize how numbers make a difference in new media and old media.
I think openness should be to the extent of knowledge if it gets too personal its kind of interfering, although we don’t notice it quite as much because of different marketing techniques but it is a fact that our choices are some how altered.