Although in theory I agree with Pesce’s (2005) legalised ‘hyperdistribution‘ model, I also think that Pesce’s (2005) presentation is prone to contradiction.

Firstly, it is difficult to conceptualise how advertisements for local products and stores can be effectively enforced for content available via Bittorrent.

When a person chooses to download an episode of a show via Bittorrent, it is simply not possible to choose which country that file will be downloaded from. In fact parts of that episode are likely to be downloaded simultaneously from several different countries. Accordingly, if the producer of a television show enters into a contractual relationship with, for example, Harvey Norman to place watermark advertisements throughout the 45 minutes of an episode, an end-user outside of Australia is unlikely to know of Harvey Norman.

Furthermore, the episode is likely to appear on Bittorrent from the country where it originates. So where, for example, an episode is part of a show created in the United States, that episode is most likely going to have watermark advertisements relevant to the United States rather than Australia. Arguably, therefore, watermark advertising may be more effective for on-line stores rather than local stores.

Secondly, Pesce (2005) contends that at the moment piracy has actually enabled various shows to become popular, aiding viewer ratings on traditional broadcasting networks. This begs the question: why change the status quo? If the positive side of current piracy behaviour means higher ratings for a show there is clearly no real incentive for producers to move away from the traditional means of distributing content.

For this reason I find Pesce’s (2005) motives ambiguous and to an extent self-defeating. For the cynic in me what transpires from Pesce’s (2005) presentation is that Bittorrent is in fact an evil that needs to be controlled, and that while the current advancements of internet technology cannot be undone there needs to be an economic model to capitalise upon these advancements.

Given the circular character of his logic, it appears to me that Pesce (2005) is merely pushing for a new type of third party distributor/broadcaster rather than giving end users the liberty to distribute content as they please via Bittorrent. In that respect I did not find a convincing message for a new way forward in the distribution of show and movies nor an effective way of ensuring the producers do not lose money as a result of Bittorrent practices.

One could also argue that Pesce’s (2005) model could give rise to stronger internet regulation. For example, code may be implemented to prevent end users in some countries from downloading content with watermark advertisements relevant or exclusive to other countries. In fact this method is currently practiced by a number of US broadcasters such as CBS, which restrict non-US internet users from accessing particular programming.

I believe a more convincing model is the ‘free sample’ model (Anderson, 2008), which Nine Inch Nail’s (NIN) Trent Reznor has implemented in order to distribute his band’s music. The ‘free sample’ model (Anderson, 2008) is rather simple: part of an album is made freely available for the public to sample while the full digital version is made available at a reduced cost (compared to the less environmentally friendly physical copy). In a sense this is nothing unprecedented because many bands allow their listeners to download selected full-length songs from their albums yet it is novel for a band like NIN, where an album may actually span over 2 or 3 CDs.

I believe other more conventional bands could also benefit from the ‘free sample’ model (Anderson, 2008). For example, bands could allow listeners to download the full-album at a lower than CD-quality bitrate (e.g. 96kbps). Listeners who want to enjoy a higher quality recording would need to purchase the album digitally or in physical format at a reduced price. Another workaround is to upload the album in full-quality but include 10 second spoken parts such as “you’re listening to the new album by… ” at random intervals in songs. Such interruptions will prevent full enjoyment of the product but listeners can actually sample the whole album and decide whether or not to purchase it.

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Reference list:

Anderson, N. (2008). Reznor makes $750,000 even when the music is free. Retrieved on August 9, 2009, from http://arstechnica.com/old/content/2008/03/reznor-makes-750000-even-when-the-music-is-free.ars.

Pesce, M. (2005, May 6). Piracy is Good?. Paper presented at the Australian Film Television and Radio School, Sydney. Retrieved on August 8, 2009, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxCoCTc3T5Q&feature=related

“…choose your best ‘source’ or site from the three you used in the last task, then… [i]n your own words, write an annotation for the source which could communicate to a reader both your ‘judgement’ of the site…, and also the following information: the reliability and authority of the site / source / article the main ideas or subjects discussed in the article the purpose for which the site was written….” (Allen & Curtin University of Technology, n.d.)

Johnson, T. (2008). Spiral of Silence in the Internet era. Media Convergence Matters. Retrieved 28 July, 2009, from http://mediaconvergence.org/blog/?p=143: This blog entry provides a brief analysis of Noelle-Neumann’s (1974) ‘spiral of silence’ theory in the context of synchronous and asynchronous internet communication. Johnson questions the relevancy of the theory in the current age of internet communication, citing a recent study (Ho & McLeod, 2008) which indicates that the internet has given minority groups in society greater scope and freedom to voice out their opinions.

Although I would not rely on Johnson’s blog entry in an academic essay, I believe that the entry provides casual web readers with an idea about the Noelle-Nuemann’s (1974) theory in the context of cyberspace. Furthermore the blog entry provides a link to Ho & McLeod’s (2008) study, unfortunately however Sage Journals Online is not freely available to individual users.

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“In terms of your own future use, which ‘body ‘ of information (ie. The original ‘snapshot’ of the site, or your own, annotated, analytical version) would be most useful to refer back to?” (Allen & Curtin University of Technology, n.d.)

I would most likely refer to my annotated version because it records my informed impression of the site. From my annotated version I can determine the nature and relevance of the site’s content, the style of writing and whether any academic sources have been cited and appropriately referenced.

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“In term of external users (i.e. if you included this site as a hyperlink or resource on a website) which body of information would best help them judge if the site was useful or of interest to them?” (Allen & Curtin University of Technology, n.d.)

Again I believe my annotation would provide users with a more balanced overview of the particular web site than merely a snapshot of how it looks (which is generally temporary as web sites often change) or merely pasting a slab of text from the web site. The latter hardly tells users anything about the content of the web site.

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Reference list:

Allen, Dr M. & Curtin University of Technology. (n.d.). NET 11: Internet Communications – Module 4 Tasks. Retrieved June 2, 2009, from

http://lms.curtin.edu.au/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_18825_1&content_id=_985243_1

Ho, S. S. & McLeod, M. D. (2008). Social-Psychological Influences on Opinion Expression in Face-to-Face and Computer-Mediated Communication. Communication Research, 35(2), 190 – 207. Retrieved July 15, 2009, from Sage Journals Online database.

Johnson, T. (2008).Spiral of Silence in the Internet era. Media Convergence Matters. Retrieved July 28, 2009, from http://mediaconvergence.org/blog/?p=143

Noelle-Neumann, E. (1974). Spiral of silence: A theory of public opinion. Journal of Communication, 24(2), 43 – 51.

As the internet has become a global phenomenon, building a multi-compatible website requires more than mere familiarity with screen resolutions and web browsers. Awareness of the target audience’s (TA) cultural predilections has become paramount in the success of a website (Cook & Finlayson, 2005; Morio & Buchholz, 2009; Würtz, 2006). Furthermore, translating text is no longer sufficient in designing successful cross-cultural websites; rather, the multimedia character of modern day internet requires a holistic approach in assessing the way the TA interacts with the layout of a web site (Würtz, 2006).

Arguably, the most effective method of successful cross-cultural web design is through “the study of design elements prevalent in the [TA’s] culture” (Würtz, 2006 p. 275). According to Würtz (2006) such a study provides web designers with an understanding of effective communication methods in a culturally rich environment.

The literature reviewed herewith suggests as a guide Hall’s high/low-context cultures theory (HC / LC) and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory (Cook & Finlayson, 2005; Würtz, 2006). The respective theories complement each other and can be used to explain how different cultures understand and react to various website layouts.

As Würtz (2006) explains, using Hall’s HC / LC theory enables us to better understand how people communicate. Accordingly, LCs rely on direct and specific communication whilst HCs adopt an indirect style, relying on the physical environment and non-verbal cues to communicate (Würtz, 2006). As Würtz’s (2006) case study reveals, HCs (predominant in Asia) prefer colourful web layouts with emphasis on graphics and animation. Conversely LCs (predominant in US/Europe) prefer simple layouts with emphasis on text.

The contrast between HCs and LCs can be further analysed through Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. As Würtz (2006) argues, HCs are akin to collectivist societies, whilst LCs share common elements with individualist societies. According to Cook & Finlayson (2005), collectivist societies focus on the achievement of the group, whilst individualist societies promote achievements gained as a result of a person’s own effort and perseverance.

Collectivism and individualism find relevance both in understanding a user’s perception of design, and the way a user participates in the Web 2.0 environment. From a design perspective, Würtz (2006) suggests that in collectivist societies visual cues focus on people engaged in group activities (e.g. team sports) whilst in individualist societies visual cues depict individual reflection. From a participative perspective, individualist cultures are vocal and open, whilst collectivist cultures ascribe to various levels of anonymity such as ‘dissociation of identity’ and ‘lack of identification’ (Morio & Buchholz, 2009). The former relates to users creating on-line alter egos, whilst the latter occurs when users do not share any personal information whatsoever (Morio & Buchholz, 2009).

The difference between HCs and LCs is also intertwined with Hofstede’s power distance (PD) and time orientation (TO) dimensions (Würtz, 2006). PD relates to how well people tolerate power imbalances within society whilst TO examines how trust is formed in society (Cook & Finlayson, 2005). HCs have higher tolerance of unequal distribution of power and accept that trust among people is usually formed as a result of lengthy relationships; LCs have a preference for equality and transparency in relationships (Cook & Finlayson, 2005; Würtz, 2006). Therefore in a design context, HCs are likely to expect less detailed information and complex navigation than LCs and by the same token may ‘expect’ that certain content will not be available to the public at large (Cook & Finlayson, 2005).

The above literature review provides a mere overview of the theories behind cross-cultural design. However, what can be extracted is that by using Hall’s and Hofstede’s cultural frameworks as a guide, web designers can assess potential pull factors that can lead to operating a successful and competitive website.

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Annotated Websites:

Arango, J. (n.d.). Design Across Cultures. Retrieved 9 July 2009, from http://www.designacrosscultures.com/ : This blog provides a critical evaluation of cross-cultural web design not only from a graphical or textual context but also in terms of sensitive content such as political opinion and various marketing techniques. The blog also provides critical commentary on various academic hypothesis and studies. The blog entries are well written and researched, however, due to the length of many entries a print friendly version would have been more effective. Another downside is that the blog has not been updated since early 2008.

Hofstede, G. (n.d.). Geert Hofstede Cultural Dimensions. Retrieved 8 July, 2009, from http://www.geert-hofstede.com : A very resourceful web site dedicated to Prof. Hofstede’s cultural dimension index research. The site has two attractive features. Firstly, it allows users to compare the culture of their home country with that of the host country. The website generates a chart comparing how the two cultures score in relation to Prof. Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. Secondly, the web site contains detailed information on the cultural dimensions of a number of countries. However, while the list of countries analysed is by no means exhaustive, there are unfortunately some important omissions such as Russia and Eastern Europe.

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Reference list:

Allen, Dr M. & Curtin University of Technology. (n.d.). NET 11: Internet Communications – Concept 8 The invisibility of difference. Retrieved 2 June, 2009, from http://lms.curtin.edu.au/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_18825_1&content_id=_985245_1

Cook, J. & Finlayson, M. (2005). The Impact of Cultural Diversity on Web Site Design. S.A.M. Advanced Management Journal, 70(3), 15 – 45. Retrieved 10 July, 2009, from ABI/Inform Global database.

Morio, H. & Buchholz, C. (2009). How anonymous are you online? Examining online social behaviours from a cross-cultural perspective. AI & Society, 23(2), 297 – 307. Retrieved 10 July, 2009, from Sage Journals Online database.

Würtz, E. (2006). Intercultural Communication on Web sites: A Cross-Cultural Analysis of Web sites from High-Context Cultures and Low-Context Cultures. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 11(1), 274 – 299. Retrieved 10 July, 2009, from EBSCO Host database.

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END OF CONCEPT 8

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Concept 17: “The impact of text-based real-time chat” (Allen & Curtin University of Technology, n.d.)

Since the mid 1990s text-based synchronous computer mediated communication (SCMC), represented primarily through instant messengers (IMs), has rapidly grown as the communication medium of choice for many internet users. But why has text-based SCMC become more popular than asynchronous communication tools such as e-mail, and what has been the effect of text-based SCMC on interpersonal communication.

The reasons for the wide-spread use of text-based SCMC were subject of an academic survey conducted in 2005 by Yen, Huang and Hung (2007), which evaluated the CMC habits of 545 university students at Midwestern University in the United States.

According to Yen et al. (2007) the findings generally revealed that both CMC mediums, IMs and e-mail, share ease of use and can be used to communicate both substantive and ‘phatic’ information. However, the majority of students believed IMs were better suited in informal communication and social interaction, including forming and maintaining friendships and relationships, whilst e-mail was preferred in formal communication with lecturers and co-workers (Yen et al. 2007).

Arguably, the students’ perceived social and informal character of IM communication could be interpreted to discredit text-based SCMC as an effective medium for work or study purposes. However, as Kirkpatrick notes, fun and attaining or applying knowledge are not “mutually inconsistent” (2005, p 155). Indeed, as Yen et al. suggest, having a “playful attitude” (2007, p. 11) allows users to use technology in novel and meaningful ways.

Accordingly, when approaching text-based SCMC with a “playful attitude” (Yen et al., 2007 p. 11) IM communication can be effectively implemented in a pedagogical setting (Kirkpatrick, 2005; Jarrell & Freiermuth, 2005). According to Kirkpatrick (2005), absence of visual cues in IM communication can foster wider student participation yet managing virtual classrooms can also be challenging due to off-topic discussions, which can be more disruptive to a lecture than in a physical classroom.

Jarrell and Freiermuth (2005) offer a cultural analysis of ESL virtual classrooms at Japanese universities. In their case study, Jarrell and Freiermuth (2005) show that Japanese ESL students were less inhibited to participate to class discussions in English when the interaction occurred via text chat. Due to an absence of “observable social cues such as nonverbal gestures and signs of status…” (Ho & McLeod, 2008 p. 191), students did not fear being ‘sanctioned’ by the tutor or ridiculed by other students. Furthermore, first year ESL students found the experience enriching as they were able to communicate with second year students – a rare practice in the Japanese educational institutions (Jarrell & Freiermuth, 2005).

Accordingly, the reasons for the rapid growth of text-based SCMC and its effect on communication are aptly summarized by Ho and McLeod who state that in text-chat “participants have greater latitude to express extreme opinions… because of the reduced threat… of… negative sanctions” (2008, p. 194). In this respect Ho and McLeod (2008) contend that the degree of anonymity encountered in text-chat engenders equal opportunity of expression and a wide spectrum of opinions, including from those who may otherwise fear social marginalisation in face-to-face scenarios.

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Annotated Websites:

Shinder, D. (2005). Instant Messaging: Does It Have a Place in Business Networks?. Retrieved 16 July, 2009, from http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles/Instant-Messaging-Business-Networks.html : This article provides a rather grim outlook for instant messengers (IMs) in businesses. It begins with the premise that IMs are primarily used for social purposes, which is not necessarily true given that text-chat has found utility in virtual classrooms. The article contends that the immediacy of IMs is as much a positive as it is a negative element. Focusing on the negative, the article suggests IMs to be damaging to workplace productivity, cause network security issues and affect bandwidth usage. Adopting a Theory X position, the article suggests strict monitoring procedures and usage policies where organisations are inclined to allow staff to use IMs.

Heenan, A. (n.d.). Guide to Flaming. Retrieved 14 July, 2009, from http://www.flayme.com/ : Traditionally, flame wars were known to escalate on e-mail lists and discussion boards, however with the convergence of synchronous communication elements in Web 2.0 it pays to know what action to take when you’re in the cross-fire. This site provides in a tongue-in-cheek style some basic rules and skills of netiquette – how to react and avoid getting entangled in a flame war. The site also outlines some of the psychological reasons behind flame wars. The down-side: the content is written primarily for users of asynchronous communication tools, thus the site lacks exclusive tips for netiquette on social networks and instant messengers.

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Reference list:

Allen, Dr M. & Curtin University of Technology. (n.d.). NET 11: Internet Communications – Concept 17 The impact of text-based real-time chat. Retrieved 2 June, 2009, from http://lms.curtin.edu.au/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_18825_1&content_id=_985245_1

Ho, S. S. & McLeod, M. D. (2008). Social-Psychological Influences on Opinion Expression in Face-to-Face and Computer-Mediated Communication. Communication Research, 35(2), 190 – 207. Retrieved on 15 July, 2009, from Sage Journals Online database.

Jarrell, D. & Freiermuth, M. R. (2005). The Motivational Power of Internet Chat. Regional Language Centre Journal (RELC), 36(1), 59 – 72. Retrieved on 17 July, 2009, from Sage Journals Online database.

Kirkpatrick, G. (2005). Online ‘chat’ facilities as pedagogic tools. Active Learning in Higher Education, 6(2), 145 – 159. Retrieved on 14 July, 2009, from ABI/Inform Global database.

Yen, D. C., Huang, A. H. & Hung, S. (2007). The selection of instant messaging or e-mail: College students’ perspective for computer communication. Information Management & Computer Security, 15(1), 5 – 22. Retrieved on 15 July, 2009, from ABI/Inform Global database.

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END OF CONCEPT 17

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Concept 20: “Active communication generates identity awareness” (Allen & Curtin University of Technology, n.d.)

The rise of the Web 2.0 environment – exemplified through popular services such as weblogs and social networks – has not only enabled web users to publish their presence online but it has also led to their individualisation in the infosphere (Miller, 2008; Rice, 2009).

According to Miller (2008), individualisation is a process of developing your online identity through self-disclosure and the forming of social relationships with your audience and peers alike. However, as Miller (2008) notes, the process of individualisation unfolds in a different manner between weblogs and social networks.

Weblogs act as an online diary, enabling bloggers to express personal experiences in a reverse “chronological narrative” (Gurak, 2008 p. 65). However, unlike diary entries, weblog entries are more than mere introspective experiences for private reflection, rather they are published with the aim of building and strengthening interaction with audiences worldwide (Gurak, 2008; Rice, 2009). In this sense the “voyeuristic and exhibitionistic” (Miller, 2008 p. 389) character of weblog expressions should not be discredited as mere self-centred outbursts of emotion (Rice, 2009).

It should be noted that the process of individualisation in the weblog environment is not contingent upon expressions of real life experiences or peer reviewed material (Rice, 2009). The blogger has complete control over the nature and direction of the narrative that will ultimately mould their identity in the infosphere (Rice, 2009). Indeed the success of a blog is not determined by the credible weight of the content, rather it is based on “an exchange of substantive information…, which revolve[s] around shared interests and dialogic exchange related to those interests” (Miller, 2008 p. 389).

By contrast, the process of individualisation on social networks such as Facebook occurs by matching keywords found on the account holder’s profile against other profiles (Miller, 2008). In this way forming relationships with social network users occurs by linking one’s profile to another based on mutually listed affiliations and interests, rather than on the basis of “dialogic communication” (Miller, 2008 p. 393). Furthermore, while social bonds on weblogs are formed with users largely unknown to the blogger, connections established on a social network are generally made with those whom the account holder knows personally, such as school friends, co-workers or family members (Miller, 2008).

This difference in the process of individualisation between weblogs and social networks also is highlighted in the mode of communication between the two mediums. Unlike the weblog environment, communication on social networks is neither substantive nor does it engender meaningful discussion (Miller, 2008). However, merely because the narrative is simplified it should not be thought of as lacking meaning. As Miller (2008) notes, the purpose of communication on social networks, not unlike SMS or short conversations, is to inform others of your existence in order to maintain a social connection. This is what Miller terms “phatic exchange” (2008, p. 393).

Although the process of individualisation differs between the two types of services, it can be concluded that in both instances Web 2.0 has given internet users wide opportunities of expression and the ability to create bonds with others based on shared experiences and interests.

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Annotated websites:

Freevlog: Keeping videoblogging real (easy). (n.d.). Retrieved 16 July, 2009, from http://www.freevlog.org/ : This site provides some very useful tips on video blogging. It covers all the important bases about this current internet phenomenon from technical elements such as filming, editing and hosting your video to journalistic tips. The site also explains the video blog phenomenon and how it is a logical evolution from traditional modes of online expression such as personal web sites and (text-based) blogs. Most of the tips appear in video format and can be either streamed or downloaded from the website. Unfortunately some of the videos can be rather large and may take some time to download.

Suler, J. (n.d.). The Psychology of Cyberspace. Retrieved 17 July, 2009, from http://psycyber.blogspot.com/ : Prof. Suler’s blog provides an insightful analysis of process of individualisation in cyberspace in relation to various popular Web 2.0 services. I found Prof. Suler’s assessment of blogs to be similar to other academic journals I reviewed for this concept. Accordingly, Prof. Suler characterises weblogs as more than mere personal diaries, instead engendering discussion with readers and participants alike. Prof. Suler also explores how social networks have enabled closer interaction and co-operation between university students and lecturers. Prof. Suler’s views serve to further reinforce the importance of these services in the formation of on-line identities.

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Reference list:

Allen, Dr M. & Curtin University of Technology. (n.d.). NET 11: Internet Communications – Concept 20 Active communication generates identity awareness. Retrieved 2 June, 2009, from http://lms.curtin.edu.au/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_18825_1&content_id=_985245_1

Gurak, L. J. (2008). The Psychology of Blogging: You, Me, and Everyone in Between. American Behavioural Scientist, 52(1), 60 – 68. Retrieved on 18 July, 2009, from Sage Journal Online database.

Miller, V. (2008). New Media, Networking and Phatic Culture. Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies, 14(4), 387 – 400. Retrieved on 18 July, 2009, from Sage Journals Online database.

Rice, J. (2009). Networked Exchanges, Identity, Writing. Journal of Business and Technical Communication, 23(3), 294 – 317. Retrieved on 2 August, 2009, from Sage Journals Online database.

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END OF CONCEPT 20

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Concept 22: “Public space and regulation” (Allen & Curtin University of Technology)

In a media leak earlier this year (2009) it was reported that the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which had been charged with filtering inappropriate web content, had in fact blocked access to a number of web sites with appropriate content (Gelineau, 2009). It is difficult to determine whether this incident was mere inadvertence or an abuse of power.

Nevertheless, this news story raises a number of key questions about internet governance:
1. What is the scope of internet governance?
2. By which model can the internet be governed?
3. Who should have authority to govern the internet?

According to Tavani (2007), determining the scope of internet governance may depend on our understanding of the internet. Tavani (2007) argues that the internet can be defined as either a ‘medium’ of broadcasting information or a ‘public place’ accessible to all. By contrast, Mueller, Mathiason and Klein (2007) argue for an inclusive interpretation because the manner in which the internet technical infrastructure is controlled will inevitably affect a person’s conduct online.

The above interpretations are reflected in three non-law models of internet governance: self-regulation, self-help and governance by code (Engel, 2006).

Self-regulation relates to rules of conduct enforced by moderators of an on-line community as a result of pressures from regulatory bodies and acceptable social norms (Engel, 2006). By contrast, the self-help model is comparable to netiquette, prompting web users to set an example for good behaviour rather than enforcing standards of conduct (Engel, 2006).

Governance by code is ‘self-enforcing’ and applies to all users irrespective of choice (Engel, 2006; Tavani, 2007). Although efficient in securing obedience, it focuses on limiting access to information rather than “regulating directly the conduct of users” (Tavani, 2007 p. 42). In this respect, Tavani (2007) argues that code erodes from the web user’s independence to choose whether or not to abide by the rules. Furthermore, the ‘self-enforcing’ character of code does not enable web users to either question or review the validity of the rules enforced (Tavani, 2007).

The lack of natural justice and procedural fairness in the non-law models raises the question as to whether national or international laws would be more effective at regulating the internet.

Engel (2006) argues that while the internet may be regulated by legislation, due to its global nature legislators are confronted with numerous obstacles. According to Engel (2006) these obstacles include inter alia: jurisdictional issues; opposition from internet commons, favouring outcomes based on ethics rather than interpretations of the law; the rapid advancement of technology constantly challenging the relevance of enacted laws; and lack of consistency in interests and allegiances among web users.

Arguably, therefore, decisions relating to internet governance could be left to the international community. However, such a move is not without challenges. Presently, the internet ‘root master file’ is controlled by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) a U.S.-government backed, non-profit organisation, which has been previously used to sanction the internet activity of regimes unfriendly to U.S. foreign policies (Kumar and Mowshowitz, 2006).

Commentators argue that U.S. monopoly over ICANN not only threatens the sovereignty of other nations but will ultimately back-fire, with other nations creating their own ‘root master file’ (Kumar and Mowshowitz, 2006). Consequently, the process of internet governance is likely to remain a contentious issue for some time to come. Without the wide co-operation of various governmental and non-governmental stakeholders internet governance is likely to continue being an ad hoc process marred by inefficient local legislation and flimsy user created rules.

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Annotated Websites:

Electronic Frontiers Australia (EFA). (n.d.). Retrieved 19 July, 2009, from http://www.efa.org.au/ : EFA is a non-profit NGO set up to protect Internet users’ rights in cyberspace. The web site provides up to date information regarding censorship and intellectual property law cases and legislative developments in the respective areas. The site provides detailed information on internet censorship for States & Territories and Federal jurisdictions. The site can be used as a resource for internet censorship, as it provides a great amount of explanatory notes relating to legislation and various ministerial submissions. Due to the large amount of text and scrolling, the content is best read in print rather than on the screen.

Mueller, M., Hofmann, J., Cogburn, D., Klein, H., McKnight, L., Eeten, M. J. G. & Kuerbis, B. (n.d.). Internet Governance Project (IGP). Retrieved 22 July, 2009, from http://www.internetgovernance.org/ : IGP is an internet governance resource site run by a number of information technology academics. The site contains a series of print-friendly submissions made to ICANN detailing proposed reforms to the current international framework of internet governance. The most recent proposed reforms issued by the IGP call for closer engagement between the U.S. government and other stakeholders, as well as for wider accountability of ICANN’s past and present conduct. The proposed reforms also seek a change of ICANN’s mission, to not only regulate internet activity but also actively protect internet user’s civil liberties in cyberspace.

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Reference list:

Allen, Dr M. & Curtin University of Technology. (n.d.). NET 11: Internet Communications – Concept 22 Public space and regulation. Retrieved 2 June, 2009, from http://lms.curtin.edu.au/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_18825_1&content_id=_985245_1

Engel, C. (2006). The Role of Law in the Governance of the Internet. International Review of Law Computers, 20(1 & 2), 201 – 216. Retrieved on 21 July, 2009 from ABI/Inform database.

Gelineau, K. (2009, 20 March). Australian Internet ‘blacklist’ prompts concern. Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 July, 2009, from http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-technology/australian-internet-blacklist-prompts-concern-20090321-94mh.html

Kumar, N. & Mowshowitz, A. (2006). Who Should Govern the Internet?. Communications of the ACM, 49(2), 35 – 37. Retrieved 20 July 2009, from ABI/Inform database.

Mueller, M., Mathiason, J. & Klein, H. (2007). The Internet and Global Governance: Principles and Norms for a New Regime. Global Governance, 13, 237 – 254. Retrieved on 21 July, 2009 from ABI/Inform database.

Tavani, H. T. (2007). Regulating cyberspace: concepts and controversies. Library Hi Tech, 25(1), 37 – 46. Retrieved on 22 July, 2009 from ABI/Inform database.

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END OF CONCEPT 22

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