Come to the end...

Overall, I do benefit from the moment of blogging; as this web-blog assignment create a better understanding on elements in document design and layout by apply these theories to practice through this blog.

Below are some of the important fundamentals that I gathered in the process of creating and maintaining my blog:

1. Proper amount of white space were devoted for easier readability and providing rhetorical clues on how to navigate the content (Schriver 1997, p. 376).
2. Images are placed to provide visual aids and related materials flanking with proper hyperlink to help readers have a better understanding (Nielson 2000).

In order to be a serious blogger, I need to be sensitive towards cultures and some design issues as they were well influenced by audience and the purpose of the blog. Also, I understand that it is significant to write ethically in order to avoid defamation and copyright infringements.

References
Nielsen, J 2000, 'Chapter 3: Content design', Designing web usability, New Riders, Indianapolis.

Schriver, KA 1997, 'Chapter 6: The interplay of words and pictures', in Dynamics in document design: Creating texts for readers, Wiley Computer Pub., New York, pp. 361-441.

Controversy Issue Raised by Makkal Osai

Makkal Osai suspended
I am certain that everyone know religions issues remain sensitive in Malaysia throughout the years of independence.

According to the article - Makkal Osai suspended, one of the Tamil daily newspapers in Malaysia, Makkal Osai had been suspended for one month.


This is due to the controversy inssue raised by printing a caricature of Jesus Christ holding a cigarette in one hand and a bear can on another. It has contravened a permit condition under subsection 6(1) of the Printing press and Publications Act 1984.

The apology came a day after the publication of the offending picture, Makkal Osai apologized for the oversight, with its general manager S.M. Periasamy saying the picture was mistakenly inserted by a graphic artist (Thestaronline.com 2007).

Cultural and religion issue

From this scenario, it shows that the graphic artist does not acknowledge on others culture background and religions as it lead to this controversy issue regarded to cultural differences. This is due to misunderstanding of Christian culture and the context in holy bible.

According to Hayness, something that is considered blasphemy can vary between religious groups and people (cited in Micheal 2007). In this case, there was also similar case back to February 2006, whereby Sarawak Tribune daily newspaper got shut down and suspended after reprinting the caricatures of Prophet Mohammed (Halifaxlife.com 2006).

My verdict

In my personal view, I think that the act of Makkal Osai by publishing the illustration of Jesus Christ is unethical and wrong. They might merely want to add in some entertainment content in the magazine.

However, this had seriously violates others people culture and religious. As suggested by Feijter (2008), “exploitation of religious themes or persons for the selling of products” is deemed as morally wrong and it should not be done by anyone.

Conversely, I think that Makkal Osai did practice good ethics in publishing as expressed regret for using the picture to depict the saying under ‘Today’s Thoughts’ on the top left hand corner of the front page (Thestaronline.com 2007).

According to Weber (1995), right and ethical thing that should be considered by everybody is taking responsibility for one’s action. In this case, Makkal Osai had made a decent apologized to the Christians on what was being published on the magazine.


References

Feijter, I 2008, ‘The Art of Dialogue: Religion, Communication and Global Media Culture, LIT Verlag Berlin-Hamburg-Münster’, viewed 9 June 2009,
http://books.google.com/books?id=gq2yJFu3EUAC&printsec=frontcover

HalifaxLive.com 2006, Prophet Mohammed Cartoons: Cencorship in Malaysia, Indonesia, Algeria and Yemen, updated 10 February 2006, viewed 9 June 2009, http://www.halifaxlive.com/content/view/523/2/

Michael, M 2007, ‘Freedom of Religion Confronts Journalism’, BCHeights.Com, viewed 9 June 2009, http://media.www.bcheights.com/media/storage/paper144/news/2007/03/26/News/Freedom.Of.Religion.Confronts.Journalism-2791570-page2.shtml

Thestaronline.com 2007, ‘Makkal Osai Suspended’, updated 8 August 2007, viewed 9 June 2009, http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/25/nation/18696017&sec=nation

Weber, J H 1995,’Ethics in scientific and technical communication’, WISENET Journal, vol. 38, pp. 2-4, viewed 9 June 2009, http://www.jeanweber.com/newsite/?page_id=22

Harry Potter: The Copyright Battle

“Harry Potter” Author Wins Copyright Claims
My fellow readers, especially to those Harry Potter fans, do you know there is Harry Potter Lexicon website that provides everything about the novel?

An article from BBC news-Rowling wins book copyright claim, stated that J.K. Rowling, "Harry Potter" author has won her claim that a fan violated her copyright with his plans to publish a Potter encyclopedia.

Following the ruling, Ms Rowling said her legal action had meant 'to uphold the right of authors everywhere to protect their own original work' (BBC News.com 2008).



The author, Steven Vander Ark had argued that 400-page Harry Potter lexicon was protected under fair-use provisions of copyright law (Indiaserver.com 2008).

Also, RDR’s lawyer had defended that the lexicon as a reference guide and calling a legitimate effort. However, court held that the planned book infringed on Rowling's copyrights and could cause her irreparable harm.

Who is in the Right?
According to Reep (2006, p.41), copyright refers to 'the legal protection for the creators of original works'. She further mention that infringement of copyright occurs when someone utilise the original works of a creator for their own interest and benefit without permission (Reep 2006, p.41).

Under the fair use doctrine of U.S. copyright statute, it is 'permissible to use limited portions of a work including quotes, for purposes such as commentary, criticism, news reporting, and scholarly reports' (Copyright.com n.d).

Though, Rowling claimed the book is nothing more than a rearrangement of her own material and told the judge it copied so much of her work that it amounted to plagiarism.

My verdict
I personally think that we should have etiquette on publishing and respect others people masterpiece. According to Wikipedia (2009), copyright refers to'moral rights' of the originator of a work and the right to be credited for the work.

Therefore, Vander Ark should get permission from Ms Rowling in order to legally publish the content of Harry Potter on website. This is to avoid infringement upon Rowling's copyright and be etiquette in publishing.


References
BBC News.com 2008, ‘Rowling wins book copyright claim’, updated 8 September 2008, viewed 8 June 2009, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7605142.stm

Copyright.com n.d, Can I Use Someone Else's Work? Can Someone Else Use Mine? Viewed 8 June 2009, http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-fairuse.html

Indiaserver.com 2008, ‘JK Rowling Wins Harry Potter Lexicon Copyright Claim’, updated 9 September 2008, viewed 8 June 2009,
http://www.india-server.com/news/jk-rowling-wins-harry-potter-lexicon-3606.html

Reep, DC 2006, ‘Technical Writing: Principles, Strategies, and Readings’, 6th edn, Pearson Education, USA.

Wikipedia.org 2009, Copyright, updated 3 June 2009, viewed 8June 2009, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright

Emoticons and Email Ettiquette

Dear readers, do you know that people around the world churn out millions and millions of emails and text messages a day?

According to McKay (2009), of all Internet activities, email is the most popular as there are almost 88% of all Internet users use email.

One problem with email is missed signals as the written message doesn't come with facial expressions or gestures (Dynamoo.com 2009). So, lots of peoples do not have an idea on how to write and interpret email they receive.

Emoticons
Based on the article-Emoticon and email etiquette, the inability of some people to accurately interpret emotions or intentions in email has led to invention of the 'emoticon'.

Professor Fahlman from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, came out with smiley face that could be simply made by typing a colon or a hyphen for people to accurately interpret emotions or intentions of email.



According to Kress & Van Leeuwen (2006, p. 16), picture or symbol can represent the meaning of text. Now, they are everywhere, and there's not just the smiley face, there's a whole range of little icons designed to be used for online communication.

Some email account like Yahoo, G-mail does actually provide the emotion for users to insert while sending email. Supportive to this, Schirato & Yell (1996, p.109) stated that “for any text to be recognizable and readable it must draw upon already established and shared set of meaning”.

Email etiquette
There are many etiquette guides and many different etiquette rules. Some rules will differ according to the nature of your business and the corporate culture. The following tips should help you avoid some of the pitfalls (Emailreplies.com 2009):

1. Use proper spelling, grammar & punctuation.
2. Not writing in CAPITALS.
3. Use proper structure & layout.
4. Do not copy a message or attachment without permission.
5. Avoid using URGENT and IMPORTANT.
6. Keep your language gender neutral.
7. Don't forward virus hoaxes and chain letters.

My verdict
In my opinion, the creative of emotions used in email play an important role to avoid misunderstanding in message. However, this should not be overused and people should not heavily depending on it. This is because true feeling by face-to-face communication is all the time a best preference.

Likewise, good email etiquette should always practice by people especially the younger generation. On the other hand, a company needs to implement etiquette rules to shows their professionalism, efficiency and protection from liability.

References
ABC.Net.Au 2007, ‘Emoticon and email etiquette’, updated 18 October 2007, viewed 7 June 2009, http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2007/2064342.htm

Dynamoo.com 2009, Dynamoo's Email Etiquette, viewed 7 June 2009,
http://www.dynamoo.com/technical/etiquette.htm

Emailreplies.com 2009, Email etiquettee, viewed 7 June 2009,
http://www.emailreplies.com/

Kress, G & Van Leeuwen, T 2006, ‘Reading images. Chapter 1: The semiotic landscape: language and visual communication’, Australia, pp. 16-44

McKay, DR 2009, Email Etiquette: Part 1: Why Is It Important?, Abour.com, viewed 7 June 2009, http://careerplanning.about.com/od/communication/a/email_etiquette.htm

Schirato, T & Yell, S 1996, ‘Communication and cultural literacy: An introduction’, Allen & Unwin, NSW, pp. 90-117

Facebook Getting a Facelift

Facebook makeover leaves some devotees fuming

Dear readers, do you have a Facebook account? Did you found it difficult to use?

According to the article - Facebook makeover leaves some subscribers fuming, Facebook had launched a new-look layout in July 2008 for a better improve.

The changes make pages livelier and better organised while giving people better control over software applications they opt to install.

However, this had left many of the social networking website's 100 million users fuming as they were forced to adopt the new changes.

New layout
As suggested by Nielsen (2006), in general viewers of web content read in F-shaped pattern whereby they only read in horizontal movements across the top part of content and little bit down the page.

Besides that, Nielsen (2006) further mentions that ‘people rarely read web pages word by word; they scan the page, picking out individual words and sentences.’

In this case, new Facebook layout is divided into 3 margins based on hierarchy of the importance on information:
(see - picture below)

1. Left: less important information ie: search for more
2. Center: significant information ie: main profile
3. Right: recent updates of your friends

Kress and van Leeuwen (2006, p. 205) stated that framing devices such as frame lines and white space is essential as it can simultaneously disconnect the elements of a layout from each other by not confusing readers. This is same to webpage design as online reading path is non-linear.

For the Facebook new layout, framing devices are being used in the center part to disconnect the elements for different information. This can help user to navigate the information easier. (see - picture below)

Nielsen once mentions that people will simply leave if a website is not easy to use. However, Facebook vice president of marketing Chamath Palihapitiya mention that once people become familiar with the new layout and features, they will find these changes just as useful as past improvements (News.com.au 2008).

Agreeing with this, I have found out that the new layout of Facebook is more organize as well as easier to use.

References
Kress, G & van Leeuwen, T 1998. Front pages: The critical analysis of newspaper layout, Australia, pp.186-219.

News.com.au 2008, 'Facebook makeover leaves some subscribers fuming', updated 11 September 2008, viewed 5 June 2009,
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24328647-8362,00.html

Nielsen, J 2000, Chapter 3: Content Design, in Designing Web Usability, New Riders, Indianapolis, pp. 99-160.

YouTube, Broadcast yourself

The forms of publishing have grown rapidly in the past decade. As a result, peoples were benefit from the emergence of new forms media publishing as they can obtained information easily.

New media referred to different forms of electronic communication that are made possible through the use of computer technology” (Webopedia.com 2009).

Broadcast yourself
There are many types of new media such as moblogs, vlogs, Youtube, and alternative online newspapers. However, I will focus my discussion on YouTube, the leader in video sharing website.

According to Lee (2008), YouTube has played a significant role in Malaysia political election back to 3 March 2008.

Also, thanks to the Internet, Malaysia's Generation Y voters are becoming more politically conscious and are expected to have a bigger say in the outcome of future elections.

Generation next's wish list for PM. (source: youtube.com)

Youtube and infringement right
YouTube has been criticized frequently for failing to ensure that its online content adheres to the law of copyright.

Reep (2006, p.41) mentions that infringement of copyright occurs when someone utilise the original works of a creator for their own interest and benefit without permission.

In this case, many users have uploaded music videos of bands without permission, and some even have uploaded television series episodes in parts for viewers to enjoy.

An American famous drama series - Desperate Housewives was uploaded on YouTube to enjoy. (source: youtube.com)

So, I think that Youtube should tighten their rules on copyright laws in order to prevent users from uploading videos without permission.

Also, they should immediately remove those stray videos to avoid any copyright issue and shows good etiquette in publishing.

References
Lee, MK 2008, ‘Internet steers new way in M’sian election’, ZDNet Asia, updated 6 March 2008, viewed 3 June 2009, http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/internet/0,39044908,62038595,00.htm

Reep, DC 2006, Technical Writing: Principles, Strategies, and Readings, 6th edn, Pearson Education, USA.

Webopedia 2009, New Media, viewed 3 June 2009, http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/N/new_media.html

Enter to the World of Blogging

Blog classification
According to Wikipedia (2009), blogs are classified as the followings:

­ - Personal
­ - Corporate
­ - Genre
­ - Media typeDevice

However, in A Taxanomy of Blogs (2008), Margeret Simons has classified online sites as blogs as the followings:

­ - Pamphleteering
­ - Digest
­ - Advocacy
­ - Popular mechanics
­ - Exhibition
­ - Gatewatcher
­ - The diary
­ - The advertisement
­ - News

In this case, I prefer the blogs classification by Wikipedia.org whereby blogs differing not only in the type of content, but also in the way that content is delivered or written. Alternatively, I personally classify blogs based on the topics, genre and styles.

Blogs community
I believe that every blogger wants a community around it no matter how ambitious or dedicated to his or her blog. Blogging communities build up around shared interest and communicating via blogs (Vinson 2006).

To build a community, you have to get people engaged around the principle of your content and then make it as easy for them to interact as possible. Three step of creating blog community are basic configuration, set theme and modules (White 2006).

An example of a blogging community is Livejournal, a dynamic community of individual and group journals.

References
ABC.net 2008, A Taxanomy of Blogs, viewed 1 June 2009, http://www.abc.net.au/rn/mediareport/stories/2008/2372882.htm#transcript

Wikipedia.org 2009, Blogs, viewed 1 June 2009, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog

Vinson, J 2006, Blogging and Communities, Blog.com, viewed 1 June 2009, http://blog.jackvinson.com/archives/2006/06/26/blogging_and_communities.html

White, N 2006, Blogs and Community – launching a new paradigm for online community?, The Knowledge Tree, viewed 1 June 2009, http://kt.flexiblelearning.net.au/tkt2006/edition-11-editorial/blogs-and-community-%E2%80%93-launching-a-new-paradigm-for-online-community

"B" for Blog

Blogging has grown into worldwide phenomenon whereby everyone are in the world blog regularly. According to Technorati (2008), which run a search engine for blog; they presently tracking 112.8 million blogs and there are more than 175,000 new blogs created every day. See – picture below.


The current trend

Based on Technorati’s research (2008), North America constitutes the most bloggers, followed by European bloggers and Asia. However, the blogging trend in Africa and Australia are relatively low. See – pie chart below for more.

In Malaysia, we about 500,000 active bloggers; this was ranked highest after Indonesia and European Union (Thestaronline.com 2008). Besides that, research by Microsoft.com (2009) also found out that 74% of the bloggers are below 25 and 64% of women domain the blogging trend in Malaysia.

The blogging rampant
On the whole, the most prevalent blog types in Asia are personal and politic blogs. However in Europe, professionals and corporate blogs are more common instead of personal, political and religious type of blogs.

In Malaysia, political blogs are the most prevalent blogs among the society. Some of the high ranked political blogs in Malaysia are:

· The Scribe A Kadir Jasin
· Anwar Ibrahim
· Aisehman.org
· Lim Kit Siang
· JeffOoi.com Screenshot

Power of “one”

The power of blog plays an important role in influencing the thinking of people, especially on politics. A research shows that 70% of the election results in Malaysia were influenced by information in the blogs (The Star Online 2009).

Moreover, Blogging is big business these days. Based on Brown (2009), 79% of the Top 100 blogs had some form of advertising.

References
Brown, S 2009, Leading Average: Top Blog Trends, Modern life, viewed 30 May 2009, http://modernl.com/article/leading-average-top-blog-trends

Microsoft.com 2009, ‘Women Rule in Malaysian Blogosphere’, viewed 30 May 2009,
http://www.microsoft.com/malaysia/press/archive2006/linkpage4337.mspx

Technorati, State of the Blogosphere 2009, viewed 30 May 2009,
http://technorati.com/blogging/state-of-the-blogosphere

Thestaronline.com 2008, ‘Blogging in Malaysia ranks among highest in the world’, updated 3 April 2008, viewed 30 May 2009,
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/3/nation/20827588&sec=nation

What is a Good Document?

Good document
These days, as documentation is utilitarian nature, creating a good document is important to make the information interesting and salient in readers’ mind. In my opinion, a good document well present the information whereby not confusing readers.

So, when come to designing good documentation, the presentation of information and the design must contain proper visual elements to target audiences’ attention as well as make the text salient. According to Kress and van Leeuwen (1998, p. 205), design features is important in document for readers to scan through before read as non-linear reading path is getting common.

Besides that, the use of suitable pictures in-line with text also a criteria of a good document. Kress and van Leeuwen (2006, p. 16) mentions the combination of written text and graphics are crucially important for a good document to deliver an effective message. This is because readers do not read only the printed words on a page, they also reads the visual presentation(Reep 2006, p. 134).

Kress and van Leeuwen (2006, p. 205) also emphasis that framing devices such as white space is essential for good document as it can simultaneously disconnect the elements of a layout from each other.

In my opinion, texts that have proper white space can create balance and proportion in document. This can be support by Putnis and Petelin (1996, p. 241) whereby they emphasis white space play an important role in making text legible and readable for readers.

Presentation task
In my individual presentation, I have chosen a bigger and consistent font size which is 25 as compared to my group presentation which is small and inconsistent. I think that the changes I made will help my audience to read better by not annoyed by the small font like what we did in my group presentation.

individual presetation: consistent and bigger font size

group presentation: inconsistent font size

Also, I have been added some pictures in my presentation to make it interesting and make the readers have a better idea on what I am trying to present. This is because pictures play a thousand words. As compare to my group presentation, we do not put in some pictures as example due to time constraint.

individual presentation: add in pictures as example

References:
Kress, G & van Leeuwen, T 2006, ‘Chapter 1: The semiotic landscape: language and visual communication’ in Reading images, pp. 16-44.

Kress, G & van Leeuwen, T 2006, ‘Chapter 6: The meaning of composition’ in Reading images, pp. 16-44.

Kress, G & van Leeuwen, T 1998. 'Front pages: The critical analysis of newspaper layout', Australia, pp.186-219.

Putnis, P & Petelin, R 1996, ‘Writing to communicate,’ in Professional communication, Sydney, pp. 223-263.

Reep, DC 2006, ‘Chapter 6: Document Design’, in Technical Writing, 6th edn, Pearson Edu. Inc., New York, pp. 133-172.

Purpose of My Blog

This blog is created to discuss issues and topics in document design. I am aiming on my college mates, friends as well as those who are enthusiastic in document design field.

In this blog, I will be glad to share any views and ideas regarded to document design. Lastly, comments and opinions are welcome for information sharing and discussion.