In Erik Davis’ article I was introduced to a completely new concept: acoustic space. I had never thought of sound as a dimension, but now I think it is quite fascinating. I learned that hearing and seeing are two conditions for experiencing information. The rise of acoustic media, especially from the internet, is giving people the chance to experience the world in more variety.

The first question I have about this article is about the meaning of subjectivity. The author uses this word countless times, I had to to find out what it meant. According to the Oxford Dictionary, “subjectivity” is the noun derivative of the adjective “subjective.” This means, “1 based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions. 2 dependent on the mind for existence.” So subjectivity would mean the personal feelings, tastes, or opinions that are influenced.

This is the quote I chose from Erik Davis: “I’m really talking about different dimensions of the kind of subjectivity that we produce in networked environments.” When I read this I think it sounds very abstract, there is no solidity. I can’t make a picture of the meaning in my mind. The sentence sounds complicated because there are many polysyllabic words. I like the repetition of the “d” sound in “different dimensions.” I really have trouble understanding what this phrase means.

My favorite idea in the article was that when sound surrounds you, you become immersed in it and it can be stronger than a visual experience. Sound can be all around you, but in a visual experience, you can be distanced by not being able to touch it. I agree with his statement that sound produces atmosphere and carries vectors of mood that can change the qualitative organization of space. Sounds and music can change anything that you are looking at.

Part 2: Megan Nordstom

I thought it was great to listen to her 3 podcasts about before going to the boys and girls club and during here experience there. It was powerful to hear her voice telling me about her experiences. Putting her human voice with the words made me connect to it more and sense a person, rather than if I was reading her paper.

In the podcast, she talked about the kids using the volunteer tutors to do their homework for them. That sounds like the tutors did not understand how, or were not patient enough to teach the children how to do it themselves. I hope that I be different. She also said that there wasn’t that much to do and she felt bored. This made me make a goal that I never want to be bored there. My goal is to always be engaged and interacting with the children.

One of my favorite parts of her portfolio was her third podcast. She talked about a girl teaching her to knit. I think there is a lot children can teach us.

The quote I picked came from her response paper 1.2: “When viewing the movie a second time, with no sound, the movie almost seemed pointless to me.” The word “pointless” really sticks out in the quote because it has such a negative connotation.  Therefore, I think of the quote as having an unsatisfied tone because the viewer feels empty watching the film clip without sound.  This quote relates directly to Erik Davis’ article. I think they go well together.