RELI/ENGL 39, Fall 2015, University of the Pacific

The Uses of Images on the Internet

I enjoyed this week’s readings a lot because I learned how online sharing could be improved in enabling creative uses of images and treating important cultural collections with cares. The reuse of digitalized content article is quite interesting because it talks about how institutions could help digital artists license their images on the image-sharing websites. When institutions help establish licensing programs, digital artists will have the motivation to add different novel features to images on the websites. A lot of people will also want to share high-definition images to help other digital artists create art collections. These art creations mean that the digital artists will be able to use images to produce unique mousepads, wallpapers and mugs. However, digital artists often find it hard to sort through desired photos on the image-sharing websites. For example, Flickr is a useful image-sharing website that allows individuals to share photos. The interface can be a little tricky to use because it may take a numerous amount of time to find photos. I think Flickr should implement a category tab to help individuals find their photos quickly. This change might benefit digital artists because it helps them locate images that they want.

explore-screenshot-1

 

I also learned a lot of important knowledge about challenges archivist might face in collecting knowledge from the Cherokee individuals. The Cherokee case study article discusses the significance of protecting some culturally sensitive data from being recorded for public uses. A Cherokee elder might not want to share some of his or her journals because it will make certain part of cultural traditions worthless. I agree that archivists should select certain fieldnotes, manuscripts and journals with care because these documents may serve as an important foundation for maintaining social orders in the Cherokee societies. When archivists collect documents that contain important cultural knowledge, the Cherokee societies cannot function peacefully. A Cherokee person will be able to access documents that only some Cherokee can understand. I think it might help if archivists develop a decent amount of understandings about cultures they hope to archive beforehand. This idea will ensure that archivists establish a long-lasting relationship with individuals they hope to work with.

Photo: http://shinydevelopment.com/assets/images/explore-screenshot-1.png

2 Comments

  1. Ash

    I, too, enjoyed this weekend’s readings as well, as I found myself in agreeance with a lot of the solutions posed in Melissa Terras’ blog. Your solution for Flickr is one I support strongly, because I often find myself frustrated trying to navigate Flickr, even just going through pictures on someone’s profile.
    As for the challenges archivists may face, cultural understanding is paramount before anything is published online.
    I’m not sure of the purpose of the image placed in your blog post, but I enjoyed it!

  2. b_raidoo

    So after reading your blog post I have a couple questions just on your opinions of the readings. Specifically in regards to artists. Graphic design is a field based off using digital tools and images to make new images and express ideas. In doing so however, they are taking from the original artist, most times without giving credit. Is that something that your are in favour of, or should each graphic designer have to give credit to each element they borrow from?

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