Entertainment and Communalism
I've got just a few thoughts on today's readings, the first one being that I'm impressed by certain conclusions made by Castells. The pattern (at least in the US) of using TV and video as entertainment, radio as a companion, and internet as a means to explore interest is fascinating in that it negates the assumption that everyone wants "all-in-one" devices for everything. Even certain video game consoles that dual as DVD players still move toward keeping entertainment in one device. I would, however, suggest that Castells should create a working definition of "entertainment" vs. "interest". Personally, I would call certain things (..porn...) that were mysteriously omitted from figure 7.1 ("Percentage of households in North America that perform on-line activities weekly by activity") entertainment and not just an "interest".
One other thought was regarding Castell's focus of the internet in metropolitan areas. This is where most sites are owned, most internet access is allocated, and where internet use began. The internet is just another way cities can organize their information economy-- however, I would go to a more individual level to say that those who live in cities move towards some forms of community and communalism. Perhaps metropolitan residents just desire more to share thoughts, interests, and ideas in a format as communal as the internet, in keeping with their lifestyles.
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